Semiconductor Nanoparticle Anchored Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for a Bolometer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are promising materials for bolometer development due to their electrical properties.
• Anchoring semiconductor nanoparticles onto SWCNTs can potentially enhance their temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and photoresponse.
• Existing SWCNT bolometers face limitations in sensitivity and operational temperature range.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel bolometric materials using SWCNTs functionalized with semiconductor nanoparticles.
• To investigate the effect of semiconductor nanoparticle anchoring on the TCR and photoresponsivity of SWCNTs.
• To evaluate the performance of these enhanced SWCNT bolometers under varying temperatures and illumination conditions.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of SWCNTs functionalized with cadmium sulfide, stannous disulfide, and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles.
• Fabrication of bolometers using the functionalized SWCNTs.
• Measurement of bolometric responses, TCR, and photoresponsivities at temperatures ranging from 10 K to room temperature.
• Testing under near-infrared (NIR) and broadband (200-1200 nm) light sources.

Main Results:

• Anchored SWCNTs exhibited higher TCR compared to pristine SWCNTs.
• SWCNTs/ZnO achieved the highest TCR (-0.11%/K) at room temperature, a 200% improvement over pristine SWCNTs.
• SWCNTs/ZnO showed significant photoresponsivities: 5.06 mV/W (NIR) and 37.51 mV/W (200-1200 nm).
• Extraordinary performance of SWCNTs/ZnO reached approximately 17 × 10^4% under IR illumination.

Conclusions:

• Anchoring semiconductor nanoparticles, particularly ZnO, onto SWCNTs is an effective strategy for developing high-performance bolometric materials.
• The enhanced TCR and photoresponsivity of SWCNTs/ZnO demonstrate its potential for advanced infrared detection applications.
• This study represents a significant advancement in SWCNT-based bolometer technology.