Chemical sensor based on highly organized single walled carbon nanotube networks

摘要

A carbon nanotube-based micron scale chemical sensor or sensor array is provided that enables the remote detection of hydrogen sulfide and other chemicals in a gas stream. The sensor is suitable for use in harsh environments of high temperature and pressure such as those encountered during petrochemical exploration and recovery. Multiplex sensor devices detect two or more chemical agents simultaneously, or they can detect conditions such as pressure, salinity, humidity, pH, or scale-forming ions. Incorporation of read out electronics and an RF signal generator into the sensor device enables it to communicate to a relay station or receiver for 3D mapping or other analysis. Methods are also provided for fabricating the chemical sensor device and using the device for detection.

主权项

1. A microscale sensor for detecting a chemical agent, the sensor comprising:
a substrate; a conductive layer attached to a surface of the substrate, the conductive layer forming at least one pair of electrodes with an insulating gap between the electrodes; and a conductive bridge consisting essentially of one or more functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes bridging the gap between the electrodes;wherein the one or more nanotubes are functionalized with a functional group that reacts with said chemical agent, whereby the conductivity of the conductive bridge is modified; andwherein the functional group is TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxy) or a TEMPO derivative and the chemical agent is hydrogen sulfide, or wherein the functional group is phenyl cyanide and the chemical agent is a mercaptan.