Carbon nanotube array sensor

Abstract

A carbon nanotube array sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a carbon nanotube array, at least one first conductive metal layer, at least one second conductive metal layer, a first metallophilic layer, and a second metallophilic layer. The carbon nanotube array is located between the first and second electrodes. The carbon nanotube array includes a number of carbon nanotubes. Each of the carbon nanotubes includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first metallophilic layer is located on the first end of each of the carbon nanotubes and electrically connected to the first conductive metal layer. The second metallophilic layer is located on the second end of each of the carbon nanotubes and electrically connected to the second conductive metal layer.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates to sensors, and in particular, relates to a carbon nanotube array sensor.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Carbon nanotubes can function as either a conductor, like metal, or a semiconductor, according to the rolled shape and the diameter of the helical tubes. With metallic-like nanotubes, it has been found that a one-dimensional carbon-based structure can conduct a current at room temperature with essentially no resistance. Further, electrons can be considered as moving freely through the structure, so that metallic-like nanotubes can be used as ideal interconnects. When semiconductor nanotubes are connected to two metal electrodes, the structure can function as a field effect transistor, wherein the nanotubes can be switched from a conducting to an insulating state by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. Therefore, carbon nanotubes are potential building blocks for nanoelectronic devices because o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure relates to a carbon nanotube array sensor and a method for fabricating it. The sensor includes a carbon nanotube array and two electrodes, and the method involves directly adhering the carbon nanotube array onto the electrodes using a conductive metal layer. This improves the sensitivity and precision of the sensor. The carbon nanotube array sensor can detect the presence or absence of an unwanted agent by measuring the resistance of the nanotube. The sensor can be used as a highly sensitive chemical and biological sensor.

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, the carbon nanotube array has no firm connection to the two electrodes because of bad wettability between the gold slurry and the carbon nanotube array, thereby decreasing sensitivity and precision of the carbon nanotube array sensor.

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