SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DETECTING A GASEOUS ANALYTE IN A GAS

摘要

Systems and methods for detecting a gaseous analyte utilize a micromechanical piezoelectric resonator having a functionalization layer configured to bind with the gaseous analyte. The functionalization layer may include a layer of carbon nanotubes affixed to the resonator and coated with biopolymers configured to bind with the gaseous analyte. The gaseous analyte may be detected by operating the micromechanical piezoelectric resonator and functionalization layer in the presence of the gas, detecting a change in the resonant frequency of the resonator, and determining the concentration of the gaseous analyte from the change in resonant frequency. Finally, the layer of carbon nanotubes may be grown on the piezoelectric resonator by depositing a catalyst on a piezoelectric structure, heating the piezoelectric structure and the catalyst to enhance the growth of the carbon nanotubes, and growing the carbon nanotubes at growth sites on the piezoelectric structure.