Biological and chemical sensors based on graphene materials

Abstract

Owing to their extraordinary electrical, chemical, optical, mechanical and structural

properties, graphene and its derivatives have stimulated exploding interests in their sensor

applications ever since the first isolation of free-standing graphene sheets in year 2004.

This article critically and comprehensively reviews the emerging graphene-based electrochemical

sensors, electronic sensors, optical sensors, and nanopore sensors for biological or chemical

detection. We emphasize on the underlying detection (or signal transduction) mechanisms, the

unique roles and advantages of the used graphene materials. Properties and preparations of

different graphene materials, their functionalizations are also comparatively discussed in view

of sensor development. Finally, the perspective and current challenges of graphene sensors are

outlined (312 references).