Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Interaction with Gases: Sample Contaminants and Environmental Monitoring

Anisotropic piezoresistive response of 3D-printed pressure sensor based on ABS/MWCNT nanocomposite

Nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are suitable for sensors, due to matrix ability to incorporate nanotube properties. Thus, we developed a low-cost, nanostructured poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) polymer piezoresistive sensor produced by additive manufacturing. For this, solution layers of acetone, dimethylformamide and CNTs functionalized with carboxylic acid were pulverized on an ABS substrate using an aerograph. Electrical characterization revealed an anisotropic piezoresistive response of the material, induced by the printing lines direction. Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscopy showed the nanostructured film spreading after five layers of CNTs as well as the random entanglement of nanotubes on parallel and perpendicular 3D-printed ABS substrates. Raman spectroscopy indicated compression and p-type doping of CNTs in interaction with the polymer, as seen mainly by the blueshift of the G and 2D subbands. The results show that the material is promising for pressure sensors, with potential applications in robotic haptic feedback systems.

Molecular Dynamics Study on the Storage of Carbon Dioxide in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes at Low Pressures

The storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) in single-walled carbon nanotubes was studied with molecular dynamics simulation. The influences of the temperature, system average density, and nanotube size on the CO2 pressure, density distribution, and intermolecular forces were investigated. Multilayer adsorption inside nanotubes was observed as average density increases at lower pressures, which is desirable in industry. Meanwhile, a nanobubble was gradually formed in the center of the nanotube, and the system with the nanobubble was stabilized by the balance between the positive Laplace pressure and the negative liquid pressure when the size of the nanobubble was higher than the critical size. The adsorption effect of the nanotube wall leads to high local condensed density near the wall and stronger intermolecular repulsion, while Laplace pressure results in a low local condensed density in the adsorbed CO2 near the bubble interface and stronger intermolecular attraction. The stretching effect that originates from the intermolecular force dominated by attraction in the condensed phase leads to low pressure. At the critical nanobubble size, a higher CO2 average density can be achieved by lowering the temperature and increasing the nanotube radius or length. When the adsorption impact of the nanotube wall on bubble destabilization becomes negligible as the adsorption layer thickens, further increasing the nanotube radius leads to limited increase of the average density at the critical nanobubble size. The simulation of a graphene-sealed nanotube confirmed the formation of a vapor nanobubble under more realistic conditions. This work provides insights into utilizing carbon nanotubes as a material for CO2 capture with multilayer adsorption at lower pressures.

Wireless Detection of Trace Ammonia: A Chronic Kidney Disease Biomarker

Elevated levels of ammonia in breath can be linked to medical complications, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), that disturb the urea balance in the body. However, early stage CKD is usually asymptomatic, and mass screening is hindered by high instrumentation and operation requirements and accessible and reliable detection methods for CKD biomarkers, such as trace ammonia in breath. Enabling methods would have significance in population screening for early stage CKD patients. We herein report a method to effectively immobilize transition metal selectors in close proximity to a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) surface using pentiptycene polymers containing metal-chelating backbone structures. The robust and modular nature of the pentiptycene metallopolymer/SWCNT complexes creates a platform that accelerates sensor discovery and optimization. Using these methods, we have identified sensitive, selective, and robust copper-based chemiresistive ammonia sensors that display low parts per billion detection limits. We have added these hybrid materials to the resonant radio frequency circuits of commercial near-field communication (NFC) tags to achieve robust wireless detection of ammonia at physiologically relevant levels. The integrated devices offer a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for early detection and monitoring of CKD.

A Flexible NO2 Gas Sensor Based on Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Films Doped with a High Level of Nitrogen

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered a promising candidate for the detection of toxic gases because of their high specific surface area and excellent electrical and mechanical properties. However, the detecting performance of CNT-based detectors needs to be improved because covalently bonded CNTs are usually chemically inert. We prepared a nitrogen-doped single-wall CNT (SWCNT) film by means of gas-phase fluorination followed by thermal annealing in NH3. The doped nitrogen content could be changed in the range of 2.9-9.9 at%. The N-doped SWCNT films were directly used to construct flexible and transparent gas sensors, which can work at a low voltage of 0.01 V. It was found that their NO2 detection performance was closely related to their nitrogen content. With an optimum nitrogen content of 9.8 at%, a flexible sensor had a detection limit of 500 ppb at room temperature with good cycling ability and stability during bending.

Synthesis of Metal–Organic Frameworks Quantum Dots Composites as Sensors for Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

Hazardous chemical compounds such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are widespread and part of the materials we use daily. Among these compounds, bisphenol A (BPA) is the most common endocrine-disrupting chemical and is prevalent due to the chemical raw materials used to manufacture thermoplastic polymers, rigid foams, and industrial coatings. General exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals constitutes a serious health hazard, especially to reproductive systems, and can lead to transgenerational diseases in adults due to exposure to these chemicals over several years. Thus, it is necessary to develop sensors for early detection of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In recent years, the use of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as sensors for EDCs has been explored due to their distinctive characteristics, such as wide surface area, outstanding chemical fastness, structural tuneability, gas storage, molecular separation, proton conductivity, and catalyst activity, among others which can be modified to sense hazardous environmental pollutants such as EDCs. In order to improve the versatility of MOFs as sensors, semiconductor quantum dots have been introduced into the MOF pores to form metal–organic frameworks/quantum dots composites. These composites possess a large optical absorption coefficient, low toxicity, direct bandgap, formidable sensing capacity, high resistance to change under light and tunable visual qualities by varying the size and compositions, which make them useful for applications as sensors for probing of dangerous and risky environmental contaminants such as EDCs and more. In this review, we explore various synthetic strategies of (MOFs), quantum dots (QDs), and metal–organic framework quantum dots composites (MOFs@QDs) as efficient compounds for the sensing of ecological pollutants, contaminants, and toxicants such as EDCs. We also summarize various compounds or materials used in the detection of BPA as well as the sensing ability and capability of MOFs, QDs, and MOFs@QDs composites that can be used as sensors for EDCs and BPA.

Unassisted selective solar hydrogen peroxide production by an oxidised buckypaper-integrated perovskite photocathode

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an eco-friendly oxidant and a promising energy source possessing comparable energy density to that of compressed H₂. The current H₂O₂ production strategies mostly depend on the anthraquinone oxidation process, which requires significant energy and numerous organic chemicals. Photocatalyst-based solar H₂O₂ production comprises single-step O₂ reduction to H₂O₂, which is a simple and eco-friendly method. However, the solar-to-H₂O₂ conversion efficiency is limited by the low performance of the inorganic semiconductor-based photoelectrodes and low selectivity and stability of the H₂O₂ production electrocatalyst. Herein, we demonstrate unassisted solar H₂O₂ production using an oxidised buckypaper as the H₂O₂ electrocatalyst combined with a high-performance inorganic-organic hybrid (perovskite) photocathode, without the need for additional bias or sacrificial agents. This integrated photoelectrode system shows 100% selectivity toward H₂O₂ and a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of ~1.463%.

Sensing Mechanism of H2O, NH3, and O2 on the Stability-Improved Cs2Pb(SCN)2Br2 Surface: A Quantum Dynamics Investigation

Although the perovskite sensing materials have shown high sensitivity and ideal selectivity toward neutral, oxidative, or reductive gases, their structural instability hampers the practical application. To exploit perovskite-based gas-sensing materials with improved stability and decent sensitivity, three adsorption complexes of H2O, NH3, and O2 on the Cs2Pb(SCN)2Br2 surface are built by doping Br- and Cs+ in the parent (CH3NH3)2Pb(SCN)2I2 structure and submitted to quantum dynamics simulations. Changes in the semiconductor material geometric structures during these dynamic processes are analyzed and adsorption ability and charge transfer between Cs2Pb(SCN)2Br2 and the gas molecules are explored so as to further establish a correlation between the geometrical structure variations and the charge transfer. By comparing with the previous CH3NH3PbI3 and (CH3NH3)2Pb(SCN)2I2 adsorption systems, we propose the key factors that enhance the stability of perovskite structures in different atmospheres. The current work is expected to provide clues for developing innovative perovskite sensing materials or for constructing reasonable sensing mechanisms.

Mechanical Performance and Applications of CNTs Reinforced Polymer Composites-A Review

Developments in the synthesis and scalable manufacturing of carbon nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used in the polymer material industry over the last few decades, resulting in a series of fascinating multifunctional composites used in fields ranging from portable electronic devices, entertainment and sports to the military, aerospace, and automotive sectors. CNTs offer good thermal and electrical properties, as well as a low density and a high Young's modulus, making them suitable nanofillers for polymer composites. As mechanical reinforcements for structural applications CNTs are unique due to their nano-dimensions and size, as well as their incredible strength. Although a large number of studies have been conducted on these novel materials, there have only been a few reviews published on their mechanical performance in polymer composites. As a result, in this review we have covered some of the key application factors as well as the mechanical properties of CNTs-reinforced polymer composites. Finally, the potential uses of CNTs hybridised with polymer composites reinforced with natural fibres such as kenaf fibre, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibre, bamboo fibre, and sugar palm fibre have been highlighted.

Horizontal Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Arrays: Controlled Synthesis, Characterizations, and Applications

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) emerge as a promising material to advance carbon nanoelectronics. However, synthesizing or assembling pure metallic/semiconducting SWNTs required for interconnects/integrated circuits, respectively, by a conventional chemical vapor deposition method or by an assembly technique remains challenging. Recent studies have shown significant scientific breakthroughs in controlled SWNT synthesis/assembly and applications in scaled field effect transistors, which are a critical component in functional nanodevices, thereby rendering the horizontal SWNT array an important candidate for innovating nanotechnology. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the controlled synthesis, surface assembly, characterization techniques, and potential applications of horizontally aligned SWNT arrays. This review begins with the discussion of synthesis of horizontally aligned SWNTs with regulated direction, density, structure, and theoretical models applied to understand the growth results. Several traditional procedures applied for assembling SWNTs on target surface are also briefly discussed. It then discusses the techniques adopted to characterize SWNTs, ranging from electron/probe microscopy to various optical spectroscopy methods. Prototype applications based on the horizontally aligned SWNTs, such as interconnects, field effect transistors, integrated circuits, and even computers, are subsequently described. Finally, this review concludes with challenges and a brief outlook of the future development in this research field.

Large scale quantum dynamics investigations on the sensing mechanism of H2O, acetone, NO2 and O3 adsorption on the (MA)2Pb(SCN)2I2 surface

The instability of organometal halide perovskites still remains a key obstacle restricting their practical application in gas sensing research. The first step in gas sensing using a semiconductor material is the recognition of a target gas through gas-solid interaction. In the current work, the adsorption mechanisms of MAPbI3-H2O, (MA)2Pb(SCN)2I2-H2O, (MA)2Pb(SCN)2I2-CH3COCH3, (MA)2Pb(SCN)2I2-NO2 and (MA)2Pb(SCN)2I2-O3 have been investigated by large-scale quantum dynamics simulations. The structural changes of the perovskite skeleton, the adsorption energy, and the charge transfer between the semiconductor material and the gas molecules have been analysed. The suitability and effectiveness of quantum dynamics simulations in adsorption mechanism research are firstly validated by comparing the humidity sensing mechanisms of MAPbI3 and (MA)2Pb(SCN)2I2. Different sensing mechanisms of (MA)2Pb(SCN)2I2 to gases with different oxidising properties have been proposed. These sensing mechanisms hopefully lay a foundation for the development of novel perovskite gas sensing materials with enhanced stability, high sensitivity, and high selectivity.

Tuning the structural and electronic properties and chemical activities of stanene monolayers by embedding 4d Pd: a DFT study

We have thoroughly investigated the interaction of some gas molecules (CO, NO, N2O and NH3) with Pd-decorated stanene nanosheets using density functional theory calculations. In this regard, we have considered three patterns for embedding Pd into the stanene monolayer, and then placed gas molecules on the Pd-decorated systems. Initially, we have optimized the structure of the Pd-decorated stanene to obtain its electronic properties. The charge density difference plot of the Pd-decorated system represents the accumulation of charge density on the adsorbed Pd atom. The adsorption energies, density of states, charge density differences and electronic band structures were analyzed in detail to fully exploit the gas sensing performance of Pd-decorated stanene systems. All the studied gas molecules form covalent bonds with the embedded Pd atom, which indicates the strong interaction between gas molecules and Pd-decorated stanene. The adsorption of gas molecules on pattern-III Pd-embedded stanene monolayers is more energetically favorable than that on the pattern-I and pattern-II ones. Besides, band structure calculations indicate changes in the electronic structure of the studied systems upon gas adsorption. Based on Mulliken charge analysis, the positive charge transfer occurred from the gas molecules to the Pd-decorated stanene systems. The results of this paper could provide a useful basis for materials scientists to design and modify novel sensing materials based on Pd-decorated stanene monolayers.

DFT study of CO adsorption on nitrogen/boron doped-graphene for sensor applications

We have performed a Density Functional study of the CO adsorption in B-doped, N-doped and BN-co-doped graphene considering a coronene based model in order to estimate the applications of this systems as CO-sensor. Different monosubstituted, disubstituted and trisubstituted alternatives of combining these two heteroatoms in a substitutional chemical doping and the influence of the relative positions of the heteroatoms are analyzed. In this study, the stability selectivity for CO adsorption and the change in the electric properties for the presence of this molecule, have been evaluated through the calculation of binding energy, CO-adsorption's energy and the gap HOMO-LUMO change due to CO adsorption. The results indicated that, even though all the configurations were stables and was confirmed a CO physical adsorption in all of them, the relative positions of Nitrogen and Boron gave different stabilities and different responses to the CO adsorption. Since monosubstituted Boron-coronene was the second in stability respect to pristine coronene, showed the highest CO adsorption energy and was also the second highest ∆(∆_HOMO-LUMO) value, this structure could be potentially a good CO-sensor.

Carbon Nanotube Chemical Sensors

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) promise to advance a number of real-world technologies. Of these applications, they are particularly attractive for uses in chemical sensors for environmental and health monitoring. However, chemical sensors based on CNTs are often lacking in selectivity, and the elucidation of their sensing mechanisms remains challenging. This review is a comprehensive description of the parameters that give rise to the sensing capabilities of CNT-based sensors and the application of CNT-based devices in chemical sensing. This review begins with the discussion of the sensing mechanisms in CNT-based devices, the chemical methods of CNT functionalization, architectures of sensors, performance parameters, and theoretical models used to describe CNT sensors. It then discusses the expansive applications of CNT-based sensors to multiple areas including environmental monitoring, food and agriculture applications, biological sensors, and national security. The discussion of each analyte focuses on the strategies used to impart selectivity and the molecular interactions between the selector and the analyte. Finally, the review concludes with a brief outlook over future developments in the field of chemical sensors and their prospects for commercialization.

Toward breath analysis on a chip for disease diagnosis using semiconductor-based chemiresistors: recent progress and future perspectives

Semiconductor gas sensors using metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, graphene-based materials, and metal chalcogenides have been reviewed from the viewpoint of the sensitive, selective, and reliable detection of exhaled biomarker gases, and perspectives/strategies to realize breath analysis on a chip for disease diagnosis are discussed based on the concurrent design of high-performance sensing materials and miniaturized pretreatment components. Carbon-based sensing materials that show relatively high responses to NO and NH₃ at low or mildly raised temperatures can be applied to the diagnosis of asthma and renal disease. Halitosis can be diagnosed by employing sensing or additive materials such as CuO and Mo that have high chemical affinities for H₂S, while catalyst-loaded metal oxide nanostructure sensors or their arrays have been used to diagnose diabetes via the selective detection of acetone or by pattern recognition of sensor signals. For the ultimate miniaturization of a breath-analysis system into a tiny chip, preconditioning that includes preconcentration, dehumidification, and flow sensing needs to be either improved through the design of gas/moisture adsorbents or removed/simplified through the design of highly sensitive sensing materials that are less impervious to interference from humidity and temperature. Moreover, an abundant sensing library needs to be provided for the diagnosis of diseases (e.g. lung cancer) that are associated with multiple biomarker gases and for finding new methods to diagnose other diseases. For this aim, p-type oxide semiconductors with high catalytic activities, as well as combinatorial approaches, can be considered for the development of sensing materials that detect less-reactive large molecules, and high-throughput screening, respectively. Selectivity for a specific biomarker gas will simplify the system further. Breath analysis on a tiny chip using semiconductor chemiresistors with ultralow power consumption that is connected to the 'Internet of Things' will pave new roads for disease diagnosis and patient monitoring.

Chiral SWCNT for Ammonia Sensor Application

Gas adsorption in carbon nanotubes is an interesting issue as it affects both the electrical and chemical properties of nanotubes. This effect can be exploited for designing different types of nanosensors. In this paper, chiral carbon nanotubes of different diameters and chiral angle have been considered to investigate the effect of chirality on the sensing capability of single walled carbon nanotubes. Here, the adsorption binding energy of ammonia has been estimated in each tube of varying dimension. The electrical conductivity change and sensitivity of nanotube due to ammonia adsorption has also been calculated. The results are compared with that of achiral tubes of same size. Based on the observations, it has been concluded that (8,3) chiral carbon nanotube is more suitable for ammonia sensor application.

Modeling adsorbate-induced property changes of carbon nanotubes

Because of their potential for chemical functionalization, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising candidates for the development of devices such as nanoscale sensors or transistors with novel gating mechanisms. However, the mechanisms underlying the property changes due to functionalization of CNTs still remain subject to debate. Our goal is to reliably model one possible mechanism for such chemical gating: adsorption directly on the nanotubes. Within a Kohn-Sham density functional theory framework, such systems would ideally be described using periodic boundary conditions. Truncating the tube and saturating the edges in practice often offers a broader selection of approximate exchange-correlation functionals and analysis methods. By comparing the two approaches systematically for NH₃ and NO₂ adsorbates on semiconducting and metallic CNTs, we find that while structural properties are less sensitive to the details of the model, local properties of the adsorbate may be as sensitive to truncation as they are to the choice of exchange-correlation functional, and are similarly challenging to compute as adsorption energies. This suggests that these adsorbate effects are nonlocal. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis of carbon nanofibers by thermal conversion of the molecular precursor 5,6;11,12-di-o-phenylenetetracene and its application in a chemiresistive gas sensor

Carbon nanofibers with an amorphous solid structure have been synthesized by thermal conversion of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 5,6;11,12-di-o-phenylenetetracene (DOPT) at 1000 °C on various substrates.

Polypyrrole Nanotubes and Their Carbonized Analogs: Synthesis, Characterization, Gas Sensing Properties

Polypyrrole (PPy) in globular form and as nanotubes were prepared by the oxidation of pyrrole with iron(III) chloride in the absence and presence of methyl orange, respectively. They were subsequently converted to nitrogen-containing carbons at 650 °C in an inert atmosphere. The course of carbonization was followed by thermogravimetric analysis and the accompanying changes in molecular structure by Fourier Transform Infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Both the original and carbonized materials have been tested in sensing of polar and non-polar organic vapors. The resistivity of sensing element using globular PPy was too high and only nanotubular PPy could be used. The sensitivity of the PPy nanotubes to ethanol vapors was nearly on the same level as that of their carbonized analogs (i.e., ~18% and 24%, respectively). Surprisingly, there was a high sensitivity of PPy nanotubes to the n-heptane vapors (~110%), while that of their carbonized analog remained at ~20%. The recovery process was significantly faster for carbonized PPy nanotubes (in order of seconds) compared with 10 s of seconds for original nanotubes, respectively, due to higher specific surface area after carbonization.

Controlling the Cross-Sensitivity of Carbon Nanotube-Based Gas Sensors to Water Using Zeolites

Carbon nanotube-based gas sensors can be used to detect harmful environmental pollutants such as NO₂ at room temperature. Although they show promise as low-powered, sensitive, and affordable monitoring devices, cross-sensitivity of functionalized carbon nanotubes to water vapor often obscures the detection of target molecules. This is a barrier to adoption for monitoring of airborne pollutants because of the varying humidity levels found in real world environments. Zeolites, also known as molecular sieves because of their selective adsorption properties, are used in this work to control the cross-sensitivity of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based sensors to water vapor. Zeolites incorporated into the sensing layer are found to reduce interference effects that would otherwise obscure the identification of NO₂ gas, permitting repeatable detection over a range of relative humidities. This significant improvement is found to depend on the arrangement of the SWCNT-zeolite layers in the sensing device, as well as the hydrophilicity of the chosen zeolite.

Chemiresistive gas sensor for the sensitive detection of nitrogen dioxide based on nitrogen doped graphene nanosheets

Nitrogen doped graphene nanosheet coated interdigitated electrodes for sensitive detection of NO₂ gas at room temperature.

Isolation of Pristine Electronics Grade Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes by Switching the Rigidity of the Wrapping Polymer Backbone on Demand

Conjugated polymers are among the most selective carbon nanotube sorting agents discovered and enable the isolation of ultrahigh purity semiconducting singled-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) from heterogeneous mixtures that contain problematic metallic nanotubes. The strong selectivity though highly desirable for sorting, also leads to irreversible adsorption of the polymer on the s-SWCNTs, limiting their electronic and optoelectronic properties. We demonstrate how changes in polymer backbone rigidity can trigger its release from the nanotube surface. To do so, we choose a model polymer, namely poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-co-(6,60-(2,20-bipyridine))] (PFO-BPy), which provides ultrahigh selectivity for s-SWCNTs, which are useful specifically for FETs, and has the chemical functionality (BPy) to alter the rigidity using mild chemistry. Upon addition of Re(CO)5Cl to the solution of PFO-BPy wrapped s-SWCNTs, selective chelation with the BPy unit in the copolymer leads to the unwrapping of PFO-BPy. UV-vis, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy studies show that binding of the metal ligand complex to BPy triggers up to 85% removal of the PFO-BPy from arc-discharge s-SWCNTs (diameter = 1.3-1.7 nm) and up to 72% from CoMoCAT s-SWCNTs (diameter = 0.7-0.8 nm). Importantly, Raman studies show that the electronic structure of the s-SWCNTs is preserved through this process. The generalizability of this method is demonstrated with two other transition metal salts. Molecular dynamics simulations support our experimental findings that the complexation of BPy with Re(CO)5Cl in the PFO-BPy backbone induces a dramatic conformational change that leads to a dynamic unwrapping of the polymer off the nanotube yielding pristine s-SWCNTs.

Advances in NO2 sensing with individual single-walled carbon nanotube transistors

The charge carrier transport in carbon nanotubes is highly sensitive to certain molecules attached to their surface. This property has generated interest for their application in sensing gases, chemicals and biomolecules. With over a decade of research, a clearer picture of the interactions between the carbon nanotube and its surroundings has been achieved. In this review, we intend to summarize the current knowledge on this topic, focusing not only on the effect of adsorbates but also the effect of dielectric charge traps on the electrical transport in single-walled carbon nanotube transistors that are to be used in sensing applications. Recently, contact-passivated, open-channel individual single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistors have been shown to be operational at room temperature with ultra-low power consumption. Sensor recovery within minutes through UV illumination or self-heating has been shown. Improvements in fabrication processes aimed at reducing the impact of charge traps have reduced the hysteresis, drift and low-frequency noise in carbon nanotube transistors. While open challenges such as large-scale fabrication, selectivity tuning and noise reduction still remain, these results demonstrate considerable progress in transforming the promise of carbon nanotube properties into functional ultra-low power, highly sensitive gas sensors.

Revealing the adsorption mechanisms of nitroxides on ultrapure, metallicity-sorted carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are a natural choice as gas sensor components given their high surface to volume ratio, electronic properties, and capability to mediate chemical reactions. However, a realistic assessment of the interaction of the tube wall and the adsorption processes during gas phase reactions has always been elusive. Making use of ultraclean single-walled carbon nanotubes, we have followed the adsorption kinetics of NO2 and found a physisorption mechanism. Additionally, the adsorption reaction directly depends on the metallic character of the samples. Franck-Condon satellites, hitherto undetected in nanotube-NOx systems, were resolved in the N 1s X-ray absorption signal, revealing a weak chemisorption, which is intrinsically related to NO dimer molecules. This has allowed us to identify that an additional signal observed in the higher binding energy region of the core level C 1s photoemission signal is due to the C ═ O species of ketene groups formed as reaction byproducts . This has been supported by density functional theory calculations. These results pave the way toward the optimization of nanotube-based sensors with tailored sensitivity and selectivity to different species at room temperature.

Carbon dioxide adsorption on doped boron nitride nanotubes

Boron nitride nanotubes are promising structures as far as gas adsorption process is concerned.

Theoretical calculation of the gas-sensing properties of Pt-decorated carbon nanotubes

The gas-sensing properties of Pt-decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which provide a foundation for the fabrication of sensors, have been evaluated. In this study, we calculated the gas adsorption of Pt-decorated (8,0) single-wall CNTs (Pt-SWCNTs) with SO2, H2S, and CO using GGA/PW91 method based on density functional theory. The adsorption energies and the changes in geometric and electronic structures after absorption were comprehensively analyzed to estimate the responses of Pt-SWCNTs. Results indicated that Pt-SWCNTs can respond to the three gases. The electrical characteristics of Pt-SWCNTs show different changes after adsorption. Pt-SWCNTs donate electrons and increase the number of hole carriers after adsorbing SO2, thereby enhancing its conductivity. When H2S is adsorbed on CNTs, electrons are transferred from H2S to Pt-SWCNTs, converting Pt-SWCNTs from p-type to n-type sensors with improved conductivity. However, Pt-SWCNTs obtain electrons and show decreased conductivity when reacted with CO gas.

Probing Electronic Doping of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Gaseous Ammonia with Dielectric Force Microscopy

The electronic properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are sensitive to the gas molecules adsorbed on nanotube sidewalls. It is imperative to investigate the interaction between SWNTs and gas molecules in order to understand the mechanism of SWNT-based gas-sensing devices or the stability of individual SWNT-based field effect transistors (FETs). To avoid the Schottky barrier at the metal/SWNT contact, which dominates the performance of SWNT-based FETs, we utilize a contactless technique, dielectric force microscopy (DFM), to study the intrinsic interaction between SWNTs and gaseous ammonia molecules. Results show that gaseous ammonia affects the conductivity of semiconducting SWNTs but not metallic SWNTs. Semiconducting SWNTs, which are p-type doped in air, show suppressed hole concentration in ammonia gas and are even inverted to n-type doping in some cases.

Electronic sensor for sulfide dioxide based on AlN nanotubes: a computational study

Single-walled aluminum nitride nanotubes (AlNNTs) are introduced as an electronic sensor for detection of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) molecules based on density functional theory calculations. The proposed sensor benefits from several advantages including high sensitivity: HOMO-LUMO energy gap of the AlNNT is appreciably sensitive toward the presence of SO₂ so that it decreases from 4.11 eV in the pristine tube to 1.01 eV in the SO₂-adsorbed form, pristine application: this nanotube can detect the SO₂ molecule in its pristine type without manipulating its structure through doping, chemical functionalization, making defect, etc., short recovery time: the adsorption energy of SO₂ molecule is not so large to hinder the recovery of AlNNTs and therefore the sensor will possess short recovery times, and good selectivity: the tube can selectively detect the SO₂ molecule in the presence of several molecules such as H₂O, CO, NH₃, HCOH, CO₂, N₂, and H₂.

Si-doped graphene: an ideal sensor for NO- or NO2-detection and metal-free catalyst for N2O-reduction

Exploring and evaluating the potential applications of two-dimensional graphene is an increasingly hot topic in graphene research. In this paper, by studying the adsorption of NO, N(2)O, and NO(2) on pristine and silicon (Si)-doped graphene with density functional theory methods, we evaluated the possibility of using Si-doped graphene as a candidate to detect or reduce harmful nitrogen oxides. The results indicate that, while adsorption of the three molecules on pristine graphene is very weak, Si-doping enhances the interaction of these molecules with graphene sheet in various ways: (1) two NO molecules can be adsorbed on Si-doped graphene in a paired arrangement, while up to four NO(2) molecules attach to the doped graphene with an average adsorption energy of -0.329 eV; (2) the N(2)O molecule can be reduced easily to the N(2) molecule, leaving an O-atom on the Si-doped graphene. Moreover, we find that adsorption of NO and NO(2) leads to large changes in the electronic properties of Si-doped graphene. On the basis of these results, Si-doped graphene can be expected to be a good sensor for NO and NO(2) detection, as well as a metal-free catalyst for N(2)O reduction.