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Conductometric chemical sensor based on individual CuO nanowires
Dongdong Li1, Jun Hu, Ruqian Wu
1Division of Energy and Environmental Research, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China.
Nanotechnology
|November 6, 2010
Summary
Copper oxide (CuO) nanowires function as sensitive chemical sensors. These nanowires detect nitrogen dioxide and ethanol, showing a unique reverse response to ethanol due to water adsorption at high temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Sensing
Background:
- Copper oxide (CuO) nanowires are synthesized using a straightforward thermal oxidation process.
- Individual CuO nanowires display intrinsic p-type semiconducting properties under electric fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gas sensing capabilities of individual CuO nanowire field-effect transistors.
- To analyze the sensor response to various chemical environments, including nitrogen dioxide and ethanol.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of CuO nanowires via thermal oxidation.
- Fabrication and testing of individual CuO nanowire field-effect transistors.
- Utilizing first-principles calculations to understand gas interactions.
Main Results:
- CuO nanowire sensors demonstrated effective detection of both nitrogen dioxide and ethanol.
- A notable reverse response to ethanol vapor was observed under varying temperatures.
- Experimental and computational data confirmed ethanol oxidation to CO(2) and H(2)O.
Conclusions:
- The observed reverse response to ethanol is attributed to strong water adsorption and electron transfer to the CuO surface.
- CuO nanowires show promise as sensitive and selective chemical sensors for environmental monitoring.
