Improved chemical detection using single-walled carbon nanotube network capacitors

Joshua Alexander Robinson, E. S. Snow, F. K. Perkins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

We explore capacitance- and conductance-based detection of trace chemical vapors using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). We find that conductance detection is susceptible to such problems as large 1/f noise and incomplete sensor recovery, which are primarily artifacts of a charge-based transduction mechanism. Capacitance detection, dominated by dielectric effects, is less sensitive to charge effects and, thus, offers increased signal-to-noise ratio, improved sensor recovery, and larger dynamic range. Our data indicate capacitance-based sensing with SWNTs is well suited for trace-level detection of such low-vapor-pressure materials as certain chemical warfare agents and explosives. Crown

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)309-314
Number of pages6
JournalSensors and Actuators, A: Physical
Volume135
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 15 2007

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Instrumentation
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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