Homogeneous and Stable P-Type Doping of Graphene by MeV Electron Beam-Stimulated Hybridization with ZnO Thin Films

A prerequisite for the development of graphene-based field effect transistors (FETs) is reliable control of the type and concentration of carriers in graphene. These parameters can be manipulated via the deposition of atoms, molecules, and polymers onto graphene as a result of charge transfer that takes place between the graphene and adsorbates. In this work, we demonstrate a unique and facile methodology for the homogenous and stable p-type doping of graphene by hybridization with ZnO thin films fabricated by MeV electron beam irradiation (MEBI) under ambient conditions. The formation of the ZnO/graphene hybrid nanostructure was attributed to MEBI-stimulated dissociation of zinc acetate dihydrate and a subsequent oxidation process. A ZnO thin film with an ultra-flat surface and uniform thickness was formed on graphene. We found that homogeneous and stable p-type doping was achieved by charge transfer from the graphene to the ZnO film.