Highly stable and tunable n-type graphene field-effect transistors with poly(vinyl alcohol) films

The intrinsic p-type behavior of graphene field-effect transistors (FETs) under ambient conditions poses a fundamental challenge for the assembly of complex electronic devices, such as integrated circuits. In this work, we present a protocol for tunable n-type doping of graphene FETs via poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) coating. Using graphene grown by alcohol catalytic chemical vapor deposition, functionalization of the surface by this hydroxyl anion-rich polymer results in an evolution of the FETs from p-type to ambipolar or n-type even under ambient air conditions. The doping level of graphene is strongly related to the PVA film coating parameters, such as solution concentration, hardening temperature, and hardening time. This PVA coating proves to be a simple and stable approach to tuning the Dirac point and doping level of graphene, which is highly desirable and of great significance for the future of graphene-based electronic devices.