Abstract
We investigate the modification of the optical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) resulting from a chemical reaction triggered by the presence of a specific compound (gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2)) and show this mechanism has important consequences for chemical sensing. CNTs have attracted significant research interest because they can be functionalized for a particular chemical, yielding a specific physical response which suggests many potential applications in the fields of nanotechnology and sensing. So far, however, utilizing their optical properties for this purpose has proven to be challenging. We demonstrate the use of localized surface plasmons generated on a nanostructured thin film, resembling a large array of nano-wires, to detect changes in the optical properties of the CNTs. Chemical selectivity is demonstrated using CO2 in gaseous form at room temperature. The demonstrated methodology results additionally in a new, electrically passive, optical sensing configuration that opens up the possibilities of using CNTs as sensors in hazardous/explosive environments.
DOI
10.1038/lsa.2016.36
Publication Date
2016-02-26
Publication Title
Light: Science & Applications
Volume
5
Issue
2
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
ISSN
2047-7538
Embargo Period
2024-11-22
First Page
e16036
Last Page
e16036
Recommended Citation
Allsop, T., Arif, R., Neal, R., Kalli, K., & et al. (2016) 'Photonic gas sensors exploiting directly the optical properties of hybrid carbon nanotube localized surface plasmon structures', Light: Science & Applications, 5(2), pp. e16036-e16036. Springer Science and Business Media LLC: Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/lsa.2016.36
