Assessment of multilayered graphene technology for flexible antennas at microwave frequencies

Abstract

As it has outstanding electrical and mechanical properties, like high conductivity, durability, and flexibility, graphene may be an interesting material also for conformal and wearable antennas. Whereas mono-atomic graphene layers have been proven to perform inadequately at microwave frequencies, in this article the performance of multilayered graphene-based sheets (GBS) fabricated onto a polymer substrate is assessed when used as flexible planar and conformal antennas. This is accomplished through studying a simple microstrip antenna topology. Challenges related to the fabrication process of these antennas are discussed, for example adhesion issues and the occurrence of air gaps on the substrate layer. The graphene-based technology is compared to a classical technology involving copper as metal. Bending of the antennas is also discussed. The main conclusion is that multilayered graphene does perform adequately as conductor in antennas at microwave frequencies, with the possibility of providing a slightly higher gain than copper.