Dynamic Prebreakdown Current Measurement of Nanotips-Based Gas Ionization Sensor Application at Ambient Atmosphere

A gas ionization sensor (GIS) with nanotips as anode and tungsten needle as cathode was fabricated, which is working with moderate input voltage. Controlled dc voltage was applied, and the prebreakdown currents were measured. The sensor can be used to determine target gases at ambient atmosphere. A novel dynamic prebreakdown current measurement was exploited which can decrease the noise interference and improve the stability of the GIS. It is discussed in detail about the advantages of the dynamic prebreakdown current measurement and its influence factors. In addition, carbon nanotubes and zinc oxide nanorods were used as ionization tips, respectively. Their anti-oxidation performances were indicated by experiment.