Nano Chemical Sensors With Polymer-Coated Carbon Nanotubes

A simple sensor platform consisting of an interdigitated electrode (IDE) pattern has been fabricated for sensing gas and organic vapors. Purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in the form of a network laid on the IDE by solution casting serve as the sensor material. The electrical conductivity of the SWNT network changes reproducibly upon exposure to various gases and vapors. Selectivity to specific gases, for example, chlorine and hydrochloric acid vapor, is demonstrated by coating the SWNTs with polymers such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene and hydroxypropyl cellulose.