Carbon Nanotube-Based Chemical Sensors

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been a subject of attention for more than 20 years. Chemical sensors based on the CNT pave excellent pathways in different real-world applications ranging from sensors for health monitoring to observations of the environmental parameters as well as in the improvement of the national security. Although selectivity of the CNT-based chemical sensors is sometimes imprecise and dubious, the presence of the π-electron wires in CNT imparts excellent mechanical, optical, thermal, and chemical properties, which are subjects of paramount interest in designing of chemical sensors. Modifications of the CNT with selective analytes can underpin the sensor properties of CNT. In this chapter, we have described the structural profiles of CNT, the mechanism of chemical sensing by the CNT-based sensors, theoretical models of sensing, sensor performance parameters, selective functionalization of CNT for designing chemical sensors, and sensor device architecture and fabrication processes. Following this, we have included extensive applications of the CNT-based sensors in various fields of applications. Finally, this book chapter summarizes the broad area of synthesizing of CNT-based chemical sensor, its working principles, and wide range of applications along with the outlook for improvements in the chemical sensing properties of CNT-based sensors and their commercial interests.