Study finds graphene nanoribbons survive extreme radiation
Howard Yawit, graduate researcher in the lab headed by Zafer Mutlu, uses a powerful digital microscope in the Office of Research and Partnerships’ Nano Fabrication Center semiconductor cleanroom to examine a microchip containing graphene nanoribbons.
MSE assistant professor Zafer Mutlu is part of a team of researchers using graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) to develop sensors that track radiation in fusion reactors and deep space technology.
The team integrated GNRs into semiconductor devices and exposed them to intense radiation. The ribbons' atomic framework stayed intact while still producing a measurable electrical response. This result suggests the ribbons could serve as radiation sensors in extreme environments, such as a fusion reactor, where radiation levels run high.
"The devices survive the exposure and still respond, but their electrical performance changes dramatically," said Mutlu, principal investigator of the proof-of-concept study, published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. "That's exactly the behavior we want from a sensor."
These GNR-enhanced sensors could help engineers monitor conditions inside a fusion reactor. Fusion power generates electricity when light nuclei merge into a single heavier nucleus, releasing a massive amount of energy. The process requires little fuel to produce that energy, so it could serve as a limitless source of clean power.
Because GNR sensors are more resilient than today's silicon-based sensors, they can operate closer to the reactor core. That could reduce costly shutdowns for inspection and maintenance and increase the time fusion power plants stay in operation.
"Real-time monitoring is our vision for this project," Mutlu said.
Co-authors of the paper included postdoctoral researcher Kentaro Yumigeta and doctoral student Muhammed Yusufoglu, both of whom work in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. MSE professor Barrett G. Potter co-led the gamma irradiation experiments with University Distinguished Outreach Professor Kelly Simmons-Potter of electrical and computer engineering.