Room Temperature Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT) Chemiresistive Ammonia Gas Sensor

Abstract

Single walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized with carboxyl (–COOH) group using simple acid treatment process. Thin films of functionalized SWCNTs were fabricated using drop cast technique from the dispersion prepared in de-ionized water. These films were characterized using FE-SEM, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy techniques and current-voltage measurements were carried at room and elevated temperature. SWCNT chemiresistor gas sensor devices on silicon substrate were fabricated using conventional microfabrication technology with pristine and functionalized SWCNTs. Fabricated gas sensors were exposed to ammonia in an in-house developed gas sensor characterization system and response was measured at ammonia concentration up to 50 ppm at room temperature. Functionalized SWCNTs chemiresistor showed an impressive ammonia response of 20.2 % compared with 2.9 % of pristine counterpart. Response enhancement mechanisms are discussed in terms of defects and gas molecule adsorption on CNT surface. The achieved results are a step towards development of miniaturized, room temperature ammonia sensor for environment pollution monitoring and control.