Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The goal of this proposed project is to develop a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor by using graphene-based nanocompoistes to detect low magnetic field. GMR effect refers the significant change of electrical resistance of materials under a magnetic field. GMR sensor is normally made of magnetic/non-magnetic/magnetic multilayer, and have been used in industry for measurement and control purpose. The magnetic sensors with small dimensions and low power consumption are highly demanded. We herein propose a graphene-based nanocomposite system with GMR effect to detect low magnetic field (<10KOe). Saint Jean Carbon Inc. (SJC) is a Canadian mining company with efforts on developing graphene products. Working with SJC, we will focus on three main aspects to achieve the research goal: (1) development of physical and chemical processes for loading magnetic nanoparticles on graphene sheets; (2) design and characterization of the microstructures and magnetic properties of engineered graphene to have GMR effect; (3) development of a proof of concept on graphene-based GMR sensor for detecting low magnetic field (<10KOe). It is expected that this proposed NSERC CRD project will have a significant impact to convert Canadian graphite mining industry into high-tech industry through applying advanced nanotechnology. Trainees involved in this project will be able to gain solid experience in development of graphene-based systems with special magnetic properties.