Control the Work Function and Plasmon Effect on Graphene Surface Using Metal Nanoparticles for High Performance Optoelectronics

We have controlled the graphene surface in two ways to improve the device performance of optoelectronics based on graphene transparent conductive films. We controlled multilayer graphene (MLG) work function and localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength using a silver nanoparticles formed on graphene surface. Graphene substrates were prepared using a chemical vapor deposition and transfer process. Various size of silver nanoparticles were prepared using a thermal evaporator and post annealing process on graphene surface. Silver nanoparticles were confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Work functions of graphene surface with various sizes of Ag nanoparticles were measured using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). The result shows that the work functions of MLG could be controlled from 4.39 eV to 4.55 eV by coating different amounts of silver nanoparticles while minimal changes in the sheet resistance and transmittance. Also the Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelength was investigated according to various sizes of silver nanoparticles. LSPR wavelength was measured using the absorbance spectrum, and we confirmed that the resonance wavelength could be controlled from 396nm to 425nm according to the size of silver nanoparticles on graphene surface. To confirm improvement of the device performance, we fabricated the organic solar cell based on MLG electrode. The results show that the work function and plasmon resonance wavelength could be controlled to improve the performance of optoelectronics device.