Detection of gas atoms via vibration of graphenes

The application of single-layered graphene sheets as mass sensors in detection of noble gases via a vibration analysis of graphenes is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. An index based on frequency shifts of the graphenes attached by the distinct noble gas atoms is defined and examined to measure the sensitivity of the sensors. The dependence of number and location of gas atoms, size of graphene sheets, and type of restrained boundary of the sheets on the sensitivity is particularly studied. The simulation results indicate the resolution of a mass sensor made of a square graphene sheet with a size of 10 nm can achieve an order of 10−6 femtograms10−6 femtograms and the mass sensitivity can be enhanced with a decrease in sizes of graphenes.

► The potential application of graphenes as sensors in detection of gas atoms is revealed.
► A resolution around 10−6 femtograms10−6 femtograms of gas atoms by graphene sensors is reported.
► The sensitivity of the sensors is found to be increased with shorter graphenes with stiffer ends.
► The random locations of gas atoms have less effect on the detection effect.