Nanosensors
Owing to their high surface-to-volume ratio, nano-scale objects open up new avenues for chemical sensing with ultra-high sensitivity. In particular, semiconducting nanowires have attracted a lot of interest, due to their well-defined crystalline structure and their strong changes in electrical conductivity upon adsorption of analyte molecules. The sensitivity and selectivity for a particular analyte can be increased by careful selection of the nanowire material and its surface functionalisation. NPL is in a close collaboration with the Advanced Technology Institute of the University of Surrey to grow ZnO nanowires and explore their applications to gas sensing and biosensing.
Surface analytical techniques such as electrical SPM modes will be employed to analyse the properties of nanowires, their surface functionalisation and their electrical connections. Characterisation of defects and interfaces is critically important since they can show a strong effect on the conductivity of a metal-nanowire-metal assembly. The resulting knowledge, procedures and recommendations will help develop and establish nanowire sensors as a viable option for chemical sensing applications.
Selected Publications
[1] 'Electrical characterisation of chemically grown ZnO nanowires for chemical sensing applications', K K Devarepally, V Stolojan, D C Cox, R J Curry, M Munz. Poster presentation at the KTN conference on Application of Micro- and Nanosensors in Security, Health and Environmental Monitoring, Teddington, 04 Mar (2010).
If you require PDF copies of the publications, please contact us below.
Contact: Martin Munz