Open AccessNovel Carbon Nanotube-Based Nanostructures for High-Temperature Gas Sensing
Author(s) -
Zhi Chen,
Kozo Saito
Publication year - 2008
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/947007
Subject(s) - carbon nanotube , materials science , hydrogen sensor , nanoporous , hydrogen , nanotechnology , capacitive sensing , substrate (aquarium) , electrode , nanostructure , titanium , oxide , carbon fibers , nanotube , chemical engineering , optoelectronics , composite material , catalysis , chemistry , electrical engineering , metallurgy , palladium , biochemistry , oceanography , organic chemistry , engineering , geology , composite number
The primary objective of this research is to examine the feasibility of using vertically aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a high temperature sensor material for fossil energy systems where reducing atmospheres are present. In the initial period of research, we fabricated capacitive sensors for hydrogen sensing using vertically aligned MWCNTs. We found that CNT itself is not sensitive to hydrogen. Moreover, with the help of Pd electrodes, hydrogen sensors based on CNTs are very sensitive and fast responsive. However, the Pd-based sensors can not withstand high temperature (T<200 C). In the last year, we successfully fabricated a hydrogen sensor based on an ultra-thin nanoporous titanium oxide (TiO{sub 2}) film supported by an AAO substrate, which can operate at 500 C with hydrogen concentrations in a range from 50 to 500 ppm