Graphene Based Ground Plane for Patch Antenna

Recent studies have demonstrated that graphene films, with three times the thermal conductivity of copper, serve as effective lateral heat spreaders for RF electronics while simultaneously functioning as ground planes to support signal propagation. Patch antennas, particularly those used in remote mobile applications, are known to generate significant heat during operation, necessitating efficient passive thermal management solutions. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of employing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films as ground planes for patch antennas, leveraging their superior thermal conductivity while maintaining RF performance. We designed and simulated a patch antenna with both copper and rGO ground planes, evaluating their S-parameter performance and benchmarking their radiation characteristics. Experimental measurements of return loss revealed that the rGO-backed patch antenna exhibited additional loss at the resonant frequency compared to its copper counterpart. Additionally, analysis conducted in an anechoic chamber confirmed that the rGO-backed antenna preserved the expected radiation pattern. These findings suggest that rGO ground planes can provide effective thermal management while maintaining RF integrity, making them a promising alternative to copper for next-generation wireless communication systems.