Acoustoelectronic sensors on ordered arrays of functionalized carbon nanotubes

Keywords:
carbon nanotube, surface acoustic wave, chemical sensor, temperature sensor, pressure, force sensor

Abstract:
Prospects of ordered carbon nanotube arrays in acoustoelectronic sensors’ area are studied both theoretically and experimentally. . Mechanical and acoustic properties of such arrays are calculated basing on molecular dynamics and finite element method simulations. Array elastic modules and density dependences on gas adsorption value are presented. Mechanical instability of square lattice of nanotubes with respect to the transition to triangular one was demonstrated. Using of carbon nanotube arrays as sensing elements of surface acoustic wave based sensors is shown to increase the sensitivity of such sensors up to dozen and more times with respect to usually obtained values for the acoustic wave frequency range 0,1 – 2,0 GHz. Vibration modes of carbon nanotube arrays depending on nanotube lengths and diameters distribution in array are calculated in continual approximation. Vibration spectrum of arrays exhibits zone character inherent to sonic crystals. Prototypes of chemical, temperature and mechanical surface acoustic wave sensors are described.

Nanotech 2008 Conference Program Abstract