Stability of suspended monolayer graphene membranes in alkaline environment

Abstract

We report on the structural, chemical and electrical compatibility of graphene in an alkaline environment, namely diluted KOH solutions as those used in standard nanofabrication methods. Electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy indicate that graphene preserves its structural properties during the process. The electrical transport properties such as conductance and shape of the Dirac point, appear degraded after KOH treatment, but can be fully recovered by current annealing. Electron beam-induced etching can provide further nanofabrication subsequent to KOH processing. These results demonstrate that, with the due precautions, graphene-based structures can be integrated in standard fabrication processes involving KOH.(Image presented)IMPACT STATEMENT To be implemented in novel (nano) devices, graphene must be compatible with standard fabrication techniques. We show how graphene’s intrinsic properties can be restored after exposure to an alkaline environment.