Home > Press > NO2 gas sensor based on vertically-grown InAs nanowires
 |
| Figure gassensor: Artist impression of the NO2 gas sensor, showing the contacts and InAs nanowires |
Abstract:
Imec and Holst Centre have developed an innovative sensor for measuring ultra-low concentrations of NO2. Such sensors are important for applications that monitor environmental pollution resulting from traffic, and in general, from all combustion motors. The sensor's active components are arrays of grown vertical InAs nanowires. A typical sensor would contain 500 such nanowires, and will be sensitive to NO2 concentrations of fewer than 100ppb at room temperature.
NO2 gas sensor based on vertically-grown InAs nanowires
Leuven, Belgium | Posted on December 18th, 2010
The sensor's nanowires are about 3ěm in length and 50-100nm wide. They are made from InAs, which is well-suited for gas sensing, because it has an electron accumulation layer at the surface, making it sensitive to accumulated charges. Gas molecules adsorb onto the nanowires, changing the current that is flowing through the nanowires.
The semiconductor nanowires are contacted ohmically using an air bridge construction (see picture). This construction has as advantage that it leaves the nanowire surface free for gas adsorption. Because of the small bandgap of InAs, it's fairly easy to fabricate these ohmic contacts. The sensor can be reset, simply by applying a stronger current.
The new sensor boasts several breakthroughs in nanowire technology. A key characteristic is that the vertical nanowires are electrically contacted in the locations on the substrate where they are grown. In other, comparable nanowire sensors, the nanowires have to be placed on the substrate after being grown elsewhere. Another major benefit of these sensing nanowires is that they function without heating, making them much more power-efficient.
The new gas sensor has been developed in Holst Centre's program for ultra-low-power sensors. In a next step, the researchers will increase the sensitivity of the sensor, as well as its detection selectivity. One goal is, for example, to make a sensor that can distinguish between NO2 and NO. Also, new manufacturing techniques are investigated, with the aim to use cost-effective silicon substrates for high-yield solutions.
####
About imec
Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society.
Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China and Japan. Its staff of more than 1,750 people includes over 550 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2009, imec's revenue (P&L) was 275 million euro.
Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a "stichting van openbaar nut”), imec Belgium (imec vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting imec Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government), imec Taiwan (imec Taiwan Co.). and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics (Shangai) Co. Ltd.).
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Imec:
Katrien Marent
Director of External Communications
T: +32 16 28 18 80
M: +32 474 30 28 66
For Imec:
Barbara Kalkis
Maestro Marketing & PR
T: +1 408 996 9975
M: +1 408 529 4210
Copyright © imec
If you have a comment, please
Contact us.
Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Bookmark:
News and information
Pioneering breakthrough of chemical nanoengineering to design drugs controlled by light June 18th, 2013
Study Shows How the Nanog Protein Promotes Growth of Head and Neck Cancer June 18th, 2013
New Method to Synthesize Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles with High Catalytic Activity June 18th, 2013
Production of Polyaniline Biosensors Modified with Conductive Polymer Composites June 18th, 2013
Products
International survey supports need for built-in water protection on smartphones and tablets May 21st, 2013
Peratech designs the QTC Ultra Sensor - an ultra-sensitive touch sensor for domestic, commercial and industrial use: Pressure sensor so sensitive that it can be operated through glass or steel sheet May 13th, 2013
Industrial Nanotech Launches Nansulate(R) Vinyl Fresh: Clear Liquid Thermal Insulation and UV Protection Coating Rejuvenates Vinyl Siding on Homes April 18th, 2013
MouthWatchers Nano-Silver Tooth Brush Released for Sale April 12th, 2013
Academic/Education
CNSE Welcomes Record Number of Students, Majority of Whom are New Yorkers, for Prestigious Summer Internship Program June 12th, 2013
FEI and University of Oklahoma Begin Collaboration Research Agreement for Understanding and Developing Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs: Collaboration effort will focus on new methods to classify shales in the economic assessment of “tight” resource plays June 7th, 2013
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz obtains new Collaborative Research Center on "Nanodimensional polymer therapeutics for tumor therapy" June 2nd, 2013
Lorraine University uses Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis to characterize biomolecules for agrichemicals, pharmacology and cosmetics May 28th, 2013
Sensors
Production of Polyaniline Biosensors Modified with Conductive Polymer Composites June 18th, 2013
Monell-led research identifies scent of melanoma: New research may lead to early non-invasive detection and diagnosis June 14th, 2013
Discovery of new material state counterintuitive to laws of physics June 14th, 2013
Nanotechnology helps track and improve drug action in pancreatic cancer June 13th, 2013
Announcements
Pioneering breakthrough of chemical nanoengineering to design drugs controlled by light June 18th, 2013
Study Shows How the Nanog Protein Promotes Growth of Head and Neck Cancer June 18th, 2013
New Method to Synthesize Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles with High Catalytic Activity June 18th, 2013
Production of Polyaniline Biosensors Modified with Conductive Polymer Composites June 18th, 2013
Environment
An Innovative material for the Green Earth: Simple and inexpensive process to make a material for CO2 adsorption June 17th, 2013
Discovery of new material state counterintuitive to laws of physics June 14th, 2013
Iran Applying Nanotechnology in Growing Number of Industries June 9th, 2013
Conference Scheduled June 5-7 on Safe Use of Nanotechnology in Environmental Remediation May 23rd, 2013
Automotive/Transportation
Efficient and inexpensive: Researchers develop catalyst material for fuel cells: Platinum-nickel nano-octahedra save 90 percent platinum June 17th, 2013
Filmmaking magic with polymers June 12th, 2013
Exposure to Air Transforms Gold Alloys Into Catalytic Nanostructures: Brookhaven Lab scientists create promising gold-indium oxide nanoparticles through room-temperature oxidation June 12th, 2013
'Popcorn' particle pathways promise better lithium-ion batteries June 11th, 2013