A Novel Conformal RFID-Enabled Module Utilizing Inkjet-Printed Antennas and Carbon Nanotubes for Gas-Detection Applications

Abstract

This letter introduces for the first time the integration of a conformal radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna with a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composite in a chipless RFID node for toxic gas detection. The electrical performance characterization of the inkjet-printed SWCNT film is also reported for the first time up to 1 GHz. The whole module is realized by inkjet printing on a low-cost paper-based substrate, and the RFID tag is designed for the European UHF RFID band. The electrical conductivity of the SWCNT film changes in the presence of very small quantities of toxic gases like ammonia and nitrogen oxide, resulting in the variation of the backscattered power level, which can be easily detected by the RFID reader to realize reliable wireless toxic gas sensing.