We perform chemical functionalization of the graphene basal plane to understand the fundamental effect of structural and chemical defects on the properties of graphene. In this way, we are able to adapt graphene’s performance in electrical and electrochemical applications. Most notably, we aim for graphene application a) as hydrogen evolution electrode and b) as a platform for  sensing in biology and biomedicine.

In our lab, we introduce various chemical defects in monolayer graphene by means of controlled plasma exposure. We study the interplay of the electrical and electrochemical properties of chemically functionalized graphene film and investigate the influence of defect natures and densities on the mechanical properties of graphene. Understanding the surface and bio-interface properties of graphene helps us to develop well-defined chemically modified graphene for biosensing application.