TiO2-decorated graphenes as efficient photoswitches with high oxygen sensitivity

We detail a facile fabrication and testing method of functionalizing single-layer graphenes (SLGs) by photoactive TiO2 thin films as test-beds for building efficient multifunctional optoelectronic devices. Interestingly, tuning the photoactivity of TiO2 enables us to realize fast and significant photoswitching effects in TiO2-graphene devices. More importantly, using the hybrid devices as solid-state gas sensors, we have demonstrated a reversible and linear electrical sensitivity towards oxygen gas in the full concentration range (5–100%) at room temperature and ambient pressure, with a calculated minimum detection limit (MDL) of 0.01% oxygen. The unique oxygen sensitivity of the devices is attributed to the synergetic effect of the photoactivity of TiO2 and the environmental ultrasensitivity of SLGs. These results form the basis for new types of future ultrasensitive multifunctional integrated devices for a variety of possible detection and/or sensing applications.