Development of a stretchable graphene electrode for an electrochemical cell

Strain engineering has been shown to alter the electronic properties of graphene, thereby changing its chemical reactivity. If this change in reactivity can be used to improve the adsorption of species on its surface, the exceptional properties of graphene can improve current sensing capabilities. The graphene surface could be functionalised such that it can act as a basis material for a new generation of small-scale, hypersensitive and low- power sensors. These can be unobtrusively incorporated in everyday items; a futuristic forecast, as described in the Internet of Things. However, how can this strain be achieved and how can we map the change in chemical activity? In this thesis, methods are developed in which the electroactivity of graphene can be measured while it is being strained. Graphene grown by chemical vapour deposition was transferred to a flexible, insulating substrate and strain -applied to the substrate- was transferred to the material, as measured with Raman spectroscopy. An electrochemical setup has been built that is able to use graphene as electrode material on which a electrolyte-containing solution is present in the form of a droplet.Mechanical, Maritime and Materials EngineeringPrecision and Microsystems EngineeringMicro and Nano Engineerin