Title: Analytical modelling of sensing performance of carbon nanotubes for gas sensing

Authors: Geoffrey Ijeomah; Fahmi Samsuri; Mohamad Adzhar Md Zawawi

Addresses: Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia ' Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia ' School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently captured attention as novel materials for nanoelectronic sensors due to their ability to achieve better sensitivity and accuracy in these devices. Up until now, the majority of investigations have focused on experimental studies for sensors. Therefore, there is lack of analytical models comparative to experimental investigations. The proposed model employs a CNT-based field effect transistor (CNT-FET) scheme to model the transport parameters of the CNT-based gas sensor. The CNT conductance is affected on exposure to the target analyte - NH3 gas molecules. The NH3 gas concentration is absorbed on the CNT surface after a chemical reaction between the CNT and NH3. This modulates the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and conductance of the CNT-based gas sensor. The I-V characteristics of the CNT-based sensor have been proposed as a criterion to detect the effect of gas absorption. Finally, the proposed model was compared with experimental investigation for validation.

Keywords: carbon nanotubes; sensors; I-V characteristics; conductance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNBM.2017.089320

International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials, 2017 Vol.7 No.1, pp.14 - 28

Received: 26 Jan 2017
Accepted: 27 Jul 2017
Published online: 17 Jan 2018 *

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