Novel materials and techniques for energy conversion and sensing

In the recent years, characterization of nanomaterials and using them in sensing applications gain considerable attention. Increased research on nanotechnology brings new materials and techniques that come with many unsought properties. Additionally, novel materials and concepts have created new demands for new characterization techniques. In this thesis, our main aim is to characterize novel materials and develop new techniques to use nanotechnology in sensing applications. Graphene is one of the most important material in nanotechnology found in the recent years. In this thesis, we have characterized and explain the electrochemical behavior of graphene oxide. During the experiments, novel properties of graphene oxide have been revealed. Foundings paved the way for new applications of graphene. Recent studies in plasmonic materials made SERS (Surface-Enhanced-Raman- Spectroscopy) an important characterization tool used in nanotechnology. SERS is a powerful technique for chemical speci c and label free analysis of low concentration materials. In this thesis, we have used SERS to build an arti cial nose for detection of VOCs. SERS substrates have been fabricated and used for the experiments. Experiments showed that our technique could detect many VOCs and could be used for several applications such as explosive and drug detection. There is a strong need for easy and cost e ective biosensors especially for homecare applications. Recent advances in nanotechnology help us to develop cost e ective techniques. Reducing costs could make biosensors more accessible for end user applications such. In this thesis, we have developed a biosensor platform by using SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) for pathogen detection. Experiments showed that our device could detect 102 pathogens without labeling. Our aim is to improve this platform for rapid food analysis and home-care applications.