Graphite-based sensor
View Patent ↗A graphite-based sensor includes an undoped graphite structure that adsorbs foreign atoms and molecules. A magnetization detection device includes a substrate on which the graphite structure is adhered, a current source by which a current is applied to the substrate and the graphite structure, and a voltage measuring device coupled to the substrate. When the graphite structure adsorbs the gas molecules, the graphite structure exhibits a ferromagnetic-type behavior, and a corresponding voltage generated in the magnetic detection device changes.
1. A graphite-based sensor, comprising:
an undoped graphite structure formed to adsorb foreign atoms and molecules; and
a magnetic detection device, comprising:
a substrate on which the graphite structure is adhered,
a current source by which a current is applied to the substrate and the graphite structure, and
a voltage measuring device coupled to the substrate, wherein when the graphite structure adsorbs the gas molecules, the graphite structure exhibits a ferromagnetic-type behavior, and a corresponding voltage generated in the magnetic detection device changes.
2. The graphite-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the foreign atoms and molecules are gas atoms and molecules.
3. The graphite-based sensor of claim 2 , wherein the gas atoms and molecules include oxygen, bromine, sulfur, and nitrogen.
4. The graphite-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the foreign atoms and molecules are liquid atoms and molecules.
5. The graphite-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the graphite structure comprises few layers-thick graphene (FLG).
6. The graphite-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the graphite structure is a graphite powder (GP) structure, and wherein the graphite-based sensor further comprises a container mechanism that contains the GP structure.
7. The graphite-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is a Hall bar.
8. The graphite-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the graphite-based sensor is calibrated to provide an output to identity and concentration of the foreign atoms/molecules.
9. The graphite-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein the graphite structure has a form factor of 1 cubic millimeter.
10. The graphite-based sensor of claim 1 , wherein when the foreign atoms and molecules are desorbed, the magnetization returns to diamagnetic.
11. A graphite-based sensor, comprising:
an undoped graphite structure that adsorbs foreign atoms and molecules, wherein the adsorption changes a magnetic behavior of the graphite structure from diamagnetic to ferromagnetic-like behavior; and
a magnetization sensing device coupled to the undoped graphite structure that measures the magnetization of the undoped graphite structure.
12. The graphite-based sensor of claim 11 , wherein the magnetization sensing device is a silicon Hall bar.
13. The graphite-based sensor of claim 11 , wherein the virgin graphite structure comprises few layers-thick graphene (FLG).
14. The graphite-based sensor of claim 11 , wherein when the foreign atoms and molecules are desorbed, the magnetic behavior of the graphite-based sensor changes to diamagnetic.
15. The graphite-based sensor of claim 11 , wherein the graphite-based sensor is calibrated to provide an indication of atom/molecule identity and concentration.