Single-molecule sensing using carbon nanotubes decorated with magnetic clusters

First-Principles Investigation of Adsorption Behaviors and Electronic, Optical, and Gas-Sensing Properties of Pure and Pd-Decorated GeS2 Monolayers

The extensive applications of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal disulfides in gas sensing prompt us to explore the adsorption, electronic, optical, and gas-sensing properties of the pure and Pd-decorated GeS₂ monolayers interacting with NO₂, NO, CO₂, CO, SO₂, NH₃, H₂S, HCN, HF, CH₄, N₂, and H₂ gases by using first-principles methods. Our results showed that the pure GeS₂ monolayer is not appropriate to develop gas sensors. The stability of the Pd-decorated GeS₂ (Pd-GeS₂) monolayer was determined by binding energy, transition state theory, and molecular dynamics simulations, and the Pd decoration has a significant effect on adsorption strength and the change in electronic properties (especially electrical conductivity). The Pd-GeS₂ monolayer-based sensor has relatively high sensitivity toward NO and NO₂ gases with moderate recovery time. In addition, the adsorption of NO and NO₂ can conspicuously change the optical properties of the Pd-GeS₂ monolayer. Therefore, the Pd-GeS₂ monolayer is predicted to be reusable and a highly sensitive (optical) gas sensing material for the detection of NO and NO₂.

Gas Sensors Based on Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have a high aspect ratio, large surface area, good stability and unique metallic or semiconducting electrical conductivity, they are therefore considered a promising candidate for the fabrication of flexible gas sensors that are expected to be used in the Internet of Things and various portable and wearable electronics. In this review, we first introduce the sensing mechanism of SWCNTs and the typical structure and key parameters of SWCNT-based gas sensors. We then summarize research progress on the design, fabrication, and performance of SWCNT-based gas sensors. Finally, the principles and possible approaches to further improving the performance of SWCNT-based gas sensors are discussed.

Magnetic properties of coordination clusters with {Mn4} and {Co4} antiferromagnetic cores

We present a joint experimental and theoretical characterization of the magnetic properties of coordination clusters with an antiferromagnetic core of four magnetic ions. Two different compounds are analyzed, with Co and Mn ions in the core. While both molecules are antiferromagnetic, they display different sensitivities to external magnetic field, according to the different atomic magnetic moments and strength of the intra-molecular magnetic couplings. In particular, the dependence of the magnetization versus field of the two molecules switches with temperature: at low temperature the magnetization is smaller in {Mn₄} than in Co₄, while the opposite happens at high temperature. Through a detailed analysis of the electronic and magnetic properties of the two compounds we identify a stronger magnetic interaction between the magnetic ions in {Mn₄} with respect to {Co₄}. Moreover {Co₄} displays not negligible spin-orbit related effects that could affect the spin lifetime in future antiferromagnetic spintronic applications. We highlight the necessity to account for these spin-orbit effects together with electronic correlation effects for a reliable description of these compounds.

Spin Current Sensing for Selective Detection of Explosive Molecules

Spin current based sensing methods offer a new approach to the development of selective detection devices for explosive molecules. Employing a combination of bias voltages and transverse electric fields to vary the chemiresistive properties of a zigzag graphene nanoribbon, dual-input dual-output sensors of this kind offer major advantages: tuning the electrical properties of a single nanoribbon is equivalent to deploying a sensor array, and measuring two outputs (spin-up and spin-down currents, total current and spin current difference, etc.) offers improved selectivity. Ab initio modeling suggests that the magnetic properties of the analyte, charge transfer effects, current transmission pathways, and analyte molecule size all influence sensor signatures. Analysis of the sensing cause-effect physics relies upon the calculation of energy averaged bond currents, which visualize the global spin current transport. Principal component analysis of the proposed sensing scheme suggests that it can distinguish between common background gases, nitroaromatic explosives, and nitramine explosives and will offer far better selectivity than carbon nanotube based explosive sensing devices.

Two-Dimensional Tetragonal GaN as Potential Molecule Sensors for NO and NO2 Detection: A First-Principle Study

Properties of gas molecules (NO, NH₃, and NO₂) adsorbed on two-dimensional GaN with a tetragonal structure (T-GaN) are studied using first-principles methods. Adsorption energy, adsorption distance, Hirshfeld charge, electronic properties, electric conductivity, and recovery time are calculated. It is found that these three molecules are all chemisorbed on the T-GaN with reasonable adsorption energies and apparent charge transfer. The electronic properties of the T-GaN present dramatic changes after the adsorption of NO₂ and NO molecules, especially its electric conductivity, but NH₃ molecule hardly changes the electronic properties of the T-GaN. Furthermore, the recovery time of the T-GaN sensor at T = 300 K is estimated to be quite short for NO₂ and NO but very long for NH₃. Moreover, the magnetic properties of the T-GaN are changed obviously due to the adsorption of NO (or NO₂) molecule. Therefore, we suggest that the T-GaN can be a prominent candidate for application as NO₂ and NO molecule sensors.

The Zn12O12 cluster-assembled nanowires as a highly sensitive and selective gas sensor for NO and NO2

Motivated by the recent realization of cluster-assembled nanomaterials as gas sensors, first-principles calculations are carried out to explore the stability and electronic properties of Zn₁₂O₁₂ cluster-assembled nanowires and the adsorption behaviors of environmental gases on the Zn₁₂O₁₂-based nanowires, including CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, NH₃, CH₄, CO₂, O₂ and H₂. Our results indicate that the ultrathin Zn₁₂O₁₂ cluster-assembled nanowires are particularly thermodynamic stable at room temperature. The CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, and NH₃ molecules are all chemisorbed on the Zn₁₂O₁₂-based nanowires with reasonable adsorption energies, but CH₄, CO₂, O₂ and H₂ molecules are only physically adsorbed on the nanowire. The electronic properties of the Zn₁₂O₁₂-based nanowire present dramatic changes after the adsorption of the NO and NO₂ molecules, especially their electric conductivity and magnetic properties, however, the other molecules adsorption hardly change the electric conductivity of the nanowire. Meanwhile, the recovery time of the nanowire sensor at T = 300 K is estimated at 1.5 μs and 16.7 μs for NO and NO₂ molecules, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivities of NO and NO₂ are much larger than that of the other molecules. Our results thus conclude that the Zn₁₂O₁₂-based nanowire is a potential candidate for gas sensors with highly sensitivity for NO and NO₂.

The cluster-assembled nanowires based on M12N12 (M = Al and Ga) clusters as potential gas sensors for CO, NO, and NO2 detection

Stable nanowires can be produced via the coalescence of M₁₂N₁₂ fullerene-like clusters and serve as promising gas sensors for CO, NO, and NO₂ detection.

Performance of hybrid nanostructured conductive cotton materials as wearable devices: an overview of materials, fabrication, properties and applications

Recent advances and overview of hybrid nanostructured cotton materials will boost an essential encouragement for the development of next generation smart textiles and flexible devices which could be worn by human beings.

Performance of hybrid nanostructured conductive cotton threads as LPG sensor at ambient temperature: preparation and analysis

Fast recovery and quick response time for the detection of 50 ppm LPG have been demonstrated by hybrid (CNT/PANi/γ-Fe₂O₃) nanostructured cotton threads that can be used as wearable sensing textiles.

Preparation of magnetic carbon nanotubes (Mag-CNTs) for biomedical and biotechnological applications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely studied for their potential applications in many fields from nanotechnology to biomedicine. The preparation of magnetic CNTs (Mag-CNTs) opens new avenues in nanobiotechnology and biomedical applications as a consequence of their multiple properties embedded within the same moiety. Several preparation techniques have been developed during the last few years to obtain magnetic CNTs: grafting or filling nanotubes with magnetic ferrofluids or attachment of magnetic nanoparticles to CNTs or their polymeric coating. These strategies allow the generation of novel versatile systems that can be employed in many biotechnological or biomedical fields. Here, we review and discuss the most recent papers dealing with the preparation of magnetic CNTs and their application in biomedical and biotechnological fields.