Interferometric measurements of graphene-based membranes for micromechanical applications

Recent studies on piezoelectricity in 2D materials, such as graphene, have revealed their potential in multiple applications including microelectromechanical systems. In this work, we reveal piezoelectricity in few-layer graphene sheets deposited on amorphous Si₃N₄ membranes. The response in the center of square membrane of 6.7 × 6.7 mm² size reaches about 14 nm at resonance and could be further enhanced by adjusting the composite structure. Resonance piezoelectric phenomena are fully consistent with the earlier piezoresponse force microscopy observations on free-standing piezoelectric graphene and open up a possibility of using 2D materials in micromechanical applications.