Graphene researcher Dr Anna Baldycheva, pictured right, said: “This breakthrough will hopefully lead to a revolution in the development of vital new materials for computer electronics. The work provides a solid platform for the development of novel next generation optoelectronic devices. Additionally, the materials and methods used are promising for a wide range of further potential applications beyond the current devices."
In its work, the team used microfluidics technology, in which a series of channels controls the flow and direction of small amounts of fluid containing graphene oxide flakes. While the graphene oxide flakes are 2D, the team used a light-based system to drive the assembly of 3D structures.
The team says that not only is the technique successful, but it can also provide a blueprint for others to manufacture chips.
Professor Monica Craciun, associate professor of Nanoscience at Exeter, added: We are very excited about the potential of this breakthrough and look forward to seeing where it can take the optoelectronics industry in the future ”