Sensors: Highly-ordered Nanotube-array Gas Sensors

建议标题：传感器：高度有序的纳米管阵列气体传感器提案编号：CTS-0518269主要研究员：克雷格·格里姆斯研究所：宾夕法尼亚州立大学园区分析(决策的基本原理)：基于高度有序的二氧化钛纳米管阵列的氢传感器，通过在酸性溶液中对起始钛箔进行阳极氧化而制成，在23℃时，当存在1000ppm的氢气时，表现出超过108(10,000,000,000%)的电阻变化。这种电阻的动态变化是已知的任何材料、任何气体、任何温度下的最大响应。传感器表现出完全可逆性、几秒钟的响应时间和无测量漂移。纳米管的纳米级结构，特别是管壁厚度和管与管的接触点，被认为是造成杰出气体敏感性的原因。实现这样的物质-气体响应是一项了不起的科学成果，对传感器领域具有重要意义。纳米管阵列结构提供了一个路线图，可以用来制造其他具有精致灵敏度的气体传感器。由于金属氧化物气体传感器通常不需要加热元件来提高灵敏度，因此纳米管阵列在低功率传感器网络监测应用中具有巨大的潜力。此外，纳米管阵列的几何结构具有显著的光转换效率，一般约为12%，因此，当暴露在光下时，传感器能够自清洁，从而实现长期监测能力。虽然所提出的研究在传感领域具有广泛的实用价值，但具体的更广泛的影响包括：{1]高度有序的纳米管阵列材料结构提供了一种路线图，通过该路线图可以实现各种高灵敏度的气体传感器。因此，这项研究将对开发高性能、低功耗的化学传感器具有重要的科学意义。{2}这项研究将对新一代高性能氢传感器的开发产生重大影响，其有益结果将应用于从能源、工业生产到改善医疗保健的各种应用。该研究将提供高质量、跨学科的研究生教育。该研究将为本科生提供面向外展的实验室实习机会。

AbstractProposal Title: Sensors: Highly-ordered Nanotube-array Gas Sensors Proposal Number: CTS-0518269Principal Investigator: Craig GrimesInstitution: Pennsylvania State Univ University Park Analysis (rationale for decision):Hydrogen sensors based upon highly ordered titania nanotube arrays, made by anodizing a starting piece of titanium foil in an acidic solution, exhibit a resistance variation of over 108 (10,000,000,000%) in the presence of 1000 ppm hydrogen at 23C. This dynamic change in electrical resistance is the largest known response of any material, to any gas, at any temperature. The sensors demonstrate complete reversibility, response times of a few seconds, and no measurement drift. The nanoscale architecture of the nanotubes, in particular the wall thickness and points of tube-to-tube contact, is believed responsible for the outstanding gas sensitivity. To achieve such a material-gas response is a remarkable scientific result, and of great significance to the sensor community. The nanotube-array architecture provides a roadmap by which other gas sensors of exquisite sensitivity can be fabricated. Since no heating element is required to improve sensitivity, as is common with metal oxide gas sensors, the nanotube arrays have a tremendous potential for use in low-power sensor network monitoring applications. Furthermore, the nanotube-array geometry gives rise to remarkable photoconversion efficiencies, generally about 12%, hence upon exposure to light the sensors are able to self-clean from contamination enabling long term monitoring capabilities.While the proposed research has broad utility in the sensing field, specific broader impacts include: {1} The highly-ordered nanotube-array material architecture provides a roadmap by which a variety of gas sensors of exquisite sensitivity can be realized. Consequently, the research will have significant scientific impact in the development of high performance, low power chemical sensors. {2} The research will have a significant impact in the development of a new generation of high performance hydrogen sensors, with beneficial results to applications ranging from energy, industrial production, to improved health care. {3} The research will provide high quality, interdisciplinary graduate student education. {4} The research will provide outreach-oriented laboratory internships for undergraduates.