Chemically functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube sensors for ultra-low-power alcohol vapor detection

Mandy L. Y. Sin, Gary C. T. Chow, Wen J. Li, Philip Leong, M. K. Wong, K. W. Wong, Terry Lee

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We have successfully chemically functionatized the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with COOH group by the method of oxidation and used AC electrophoresis to formed these bundles MWCNTs between Au electrodes on the Si substrate. We then demonstrated that these resistive elements are capable of detecting alcohol vapor using an ultra-low input power of only ∼0.01μW. The sensors exhibit fast, repeatable, highly sensitive, and reversible response. Our results show that the resistances of the sensors vary linearly with alcohol vapor concentration from Sppth to 100ppth (ppth = part per thousand). We can also easily reverse the initial resistance of the sensors by annealing them in real time at 100-250/JA current within 1-6 minutes. We have experimental proof that the functionatized MWCNTs have a much higher sensitivity towards the alcohol vapor than the bare MWCNTs. Based on our experimental results, we prove that MWCNTs sensors, especially for those with proper functionatized groups, are sensitive to a wide range of alcohol vapor and potentially other volatile organic compounds, and are very attractive for commercialization due to their extreme low-power requirements for activation. © 2006 IEEE.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2006 6th IEEE Conference on Nanotechnology, IEEE-NANO 2006
PublisherIEEE
Pages461-464
Volume2
ISBN (Print)1424400783, 9781424400782
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event2006 6th IEEE Conference on Nanotechnology (IEEE-NANO 2006) - Cincinnati, OH, United States
Duration: 17 Jun 200620 Jun 2006

Publication series

Name
ISSN (Print)1944-9399

Conference

Conference2006 6th IEEE Conference on Nanotechnology (IEEE-NANO 2006)
PlaceUnited States
CityCincinnati, OH
Period17/06/0620/06/06

Research Keywords

  • Alcohol sensors
  • Chemical sensors
  • CNT functionatization
  • CNT sensors
  • Low-power-sensing

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