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An Ultrasensitive Organic Semiconductor NO2 Sensor Based on Crystalline TIPS-Pentacene Films
Zi Wang1, Lizhen Huang1, Xiaofei Zhu1
1Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|August 8, 2017
Summary
This study presents an ultrasensitive organic semiconductor gas sensor for detecting nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The novel sensor achieves high sensitivity and fast response, matching traditional metal oxide sensors and offering a promising alternative.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Sensors
- Organic Electronics
Background:
- Organic semiconductor gas sensors offer high selectivity for room temperature operation.
- Their performance, particularly for oxidizing gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), has historically lagged behind metal oxide sensors.
- Understanding the sensing mechanisms requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ultrasensitive organic semiconductor gas sensor for NO2 detection.
- To investigate the factors contributing to enhanced sensor performance.
- To establish a pathway for high-performance organic gas sensors.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an organic semiconductor gas sensor using 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-pentacene (TIPS-petacene).
- Comprehensive analysis of organic film morphology and electrical properties.
- Gas sensing performance evaluation, including sensitivity, response/recovery times, and limit of detection (LOD).
Main Results:
- The TIPS-petacene based sensor achieved a sensitivity exceeding 1000%/ppm for NO2 detection.
- The sensor demonstrated fast response and recovery times.
- A low limit of detection (LOD) of 20 ppb was recorded, comparable to metal oxide sensors.
- Ultrahigh performance was correlated with enhanced film charge transport ability and low initial charge carrier concentration.
Conclusions:
- The developed organic semiconductor gas sensor exhibits performance levels competitive with metal oxide sensors.
- Efficient charge transport in organic films is a critical, often overlooked, factor for high-performance gas sensing.
- Combining efficient charge transport with low charge carrier concentration is an effective strategy for advancing organic gas sensor technology.
