Published on: 2026-07-30
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
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A graduate student of Novosibirsk State University and a research fellow of Laboratory 4.2 at the S.S. Kutateladze Institute of Thermophysics, SB RAS, is developing a highly sensitive and environmentally friendly photodetector based on graphene with titanium nanoparticles. Oleg Zaitsev under the supervision of the head of this laboratory, a senior lecturer at the Department of General Physics Faculty of Physics, NSU, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Dmitry Smovzh. Their project “Creation of a photoreceptor based on graphene,” supported by the NSU Startup Studio, was among the winners of the Innovation Assistance Fund’s “Student Startup” competition on the University Technology Entrepreneurship Platform for the year 2026. Within their project, the young scientist intends to create an environmentally safe device that responds to light by changing resistance in the visible, UV, and infrared ranges. This development will find wide application as an embedded element in Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart home systems, and sensor devices. A prototype photodetector for testing in real conditions will be created within a year.
— Currently, the market features photoconductors based on CdS containing cadmium, which is prohibited for distribution within the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU Technical Regulation 037/2016). Within the framework of our project, we will develop a safe alternative to these devices, which currently exists only within certain laboratories and has no industrial analogues. Our main emphasis is on the absence of toxic cadmium in our photoconductors, which adversely affects human health. Importantly, in terms of technical characteristics, our photoconductor is comparable to existing cadmium-based photoconductors. Previously, unique sensor properties of graphene were demonstrated, such as the measurement of photoconductivity. Our goal is to create a commercial product based on a photoconductive composite of graphene and nanoparticles, as well as to optimize the chip manufacturing process to meet the needs of domestic production. — said Oleg Zaytsev.
Photoresistor — a semiconductor radio-electronic component that changes its electrical resistance depending on the intensity of the light falling on it. It is an element of an electrical circuit used to detect changes in illumination level. When its surface is irradiated with light, the device changes the value of its electrical resistance.
As part of the project, a prototype of a commercial device will be developed and its test trials conducted. The final product will be a graphene photoconductor, which is a microelectronics component. Its primary function is to respond to light radiation by changing its resistance, acting as a light sensor. According to the scientists’ design, the device will have high sensitivity, fast response, durability, and environmental safety due to the absence of cadmium, complying with international standards.
Samples of graphene doped with titanium oxide nanoparticles have currently been obtained. Several publications have been released describing the dependence of the photosensitive properties on the structure of this composite material.
In creating the samples, the researchers used a well-established CVD graphene synthesis technology (chemical vapor deposition), which allowed them to obtain few-layer graphene on a copper substrate with a high degree of reproducibility of characteristics such as coating uniformity and defect density. They also applied magnetron sputtering technology to dope the graphene with titanium oxide nanoparticles, followed by their oxidation in air, which is critically important for modifying its properties.
— These samples already demonstrate a response to changes in light. Our further work will be aimed at improving photosensitive characteristics and packaging the product into a final form accessible to the customer. We will undertake this work as part of the “Student Startup” grant, — explained Oleg Zaitsev.
In the near future, the project participants intend to begin market research and test their hypothesis regarding the need for an environmentally friendly alternative to cadmium-containing photoresists on the market, as well as study the demand for the product they are developing. Next, a technical specification will be created, which will include the characteristics of the final device. After that, the scientists will start searching for a platform for pilot tests and trial launches. If this stage is successfully completed, they will proceed to the first commercial industrial deliveries of the finished product directly to consumers.
— I am optimistic and have no doubt that the project we are implementing will result in a successful campaign. Our team, consisting of young scientists working in laboratory 4.2 of the S.S. Kutateladze Institute of Thermophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has all the necessary competencies to carry out this project, from the preparation and synthesis of graphene to its modification and testing of properties, — said Oleg Zaytsev.
The project is supported by the Innovation Assistance Fund under the “Student Startup” program of the “University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform” event as part of the federal project “Technologies.”
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