Vapour sensing with conductive polymer nanocomposites (CPC): polycarbonate-carbon nanotubes transducers with hierarchical structure processed by spray layer by layer

TitleVapour sensing with conductive polymer nanocomposites (CPC): polycarbonate-carbon nanotubes transducers with hierarchical structure processed by spray layer by layer
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsLu, J, Kumar, B, Castro, M, Feller, J-F
JournalSensors and Actuators B-Chemical
Volume140
Issue2
Pagination451-460
Date PublishedJUL
ISSN0925-4005
KeywordsAtomic force microscopy, carbon nanotube, Chemo-electrical behaviour, Conductive polymer nanocomposite, Vapour Sensing, Volatile organic compounds
Abstract

The development of conductive polymer nanocomposite (CPC) sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOC) detection has been carried out using a spray layer by layer (LbL) process. This technique was successfully used to hierarchically structure polycarbonate-multiwall carbon nanotubes (PC-CNT) solutions into a double percolated architecture as attested by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy (OM). PC-CNT vapour sensing behaviour was investigated as a function of CNT content, films thickness, vapour flow and vapours solubility parameter. The response ranking A(r)(toluene)>A(r)(methanol)>A(r)(water)of PC-CNT was found to be coherent with kappa(12) Flory-Huggins interaction parameters provided that signals are normalised by analyte molecules number. Signals shape was interpreted to the light of Langmuir-Henry-Clustering (LHC) model and found to be proportional to vapour content. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI10.1016/j.snb.2009.05.006
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)3.368
Divison category: 
Physical and Materials Chemistry