Flexible UHF Resistive Humidity Sensors Based on Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

This paper presents the investigation of the resistive humidity-sensing properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). MWCNTs functionalized by acid treatment (f-MWCNTs) exhibit rather high sensitivity in resistance toward humidity, owing to the presence of carboxylic groups on the nanotube surface. By integrating the f-MWCNTs resistor into a wireless sensor platform, flexible humidity sensors for ultra-high frequency applications are investigated. The operating frequency range of the sensor is dramatically increased from 600 MHz to 2 GHz by adjusting the resistor-electrodes' configuration. This enhancement is predominately attributed to the variation in parasitic capacitance between the resistor-electrodes.