Field effect in monolayer graphene associated with the formation of graphene–water interface

Establishing the features of interfacial effects on the electrical conductivity of graphene is crucial for successful design of novel graphene-based electronic devices, including chemical sensors and biosensors. We study electrical properties of monolayer graphene, prepared by thermal decomposition of silicon carbide in argon, in the field-effect transistor and the four-probe geometries. Alterations in the electrical properties of graphene in response to placing a quantity of water on its surface followed by removal of the water are investigated. In these geometries, the field effect is shown to play a key role in the way the electrical properties of graphene are affected by the formation of the graphene–water interface.