Sensing element made of multi-wall carbon nanotube network for organic vapor detection

Abstract

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) network "Buckypaper" was made by the vacuum filtration method of MWCNT aqueous suspension. The sensitivity of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) networks of randomly entangled pure nanotubes to various organic solvent vapors (tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, and ethanol) has been investigated by resistance measurements. The results demonstrate that the network electrical resistance increases when exposed to organic solvent vapors, and a reversible reaction is observed when the sample is removed from the vapors. The investigated MWCNT networks could be potentially used as sensing elements for sensitive and selective organic vapor detection.