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.
The sensor's nanowires are about 3ìm 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.
Related News Press |
News and information
Simulating magnetization in a Heisenberg quantum spin chain April 5th, 2024
NRL charters Navy’s quantum inertial navigation path to reduce drift April 5th, 2024
Discovery points path to flash-like memory for storing qubits: Rice find could hasten development of nonvolatile quantum memory April 5th, 2024
Products
Spectradyne Partners with Particle Technology Labs for Measurement Services December 6th, 2018
Mode-Changing MEMS Accelerometer from STMicroelectronics Combines High Measurement Resolution and Ultra-Low Power for Industrial Applications November 7th, 2018
Fat-Repellent Nanolayers Can Make Oven Cleaning Easier October 17th, 2018
Aculon, Inc. Enters into Strategic Partnership Agreement with Henkel Corporation to Supply Key Mobile Device Manufacturers with NanoProof® PCB Waterproof Technology October 17th, 2018
Academic/Education
Rice University launches Rice Synthetic Biology Institute to improve lives January 12th, 2024
Multi-institution, $4.6 million NSF grant to fund nanotechnology training September 9th, 2022
Sensors
Announcements
NRL charters Navy’s quantum inertial navigation path to reduce drift April 5th, 2024
Discovery points path to flash-like memory for storing qubits: Rice find could hasten development of nonvolatile quantum memory April 5th, 2024
Environment
Billions of nanoplastics released when microwaving baby food containers: Exposure to plastic particles kills up to 75% of cultured kidney cells July 21st, 2023
Automotive/Transportation
Researchers’ approach may protect quantum computers from attacks March 8th, 2024
Tests find no free-standing nanotubes released from tire tread wear September 8th, 2023
The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
Premium Products | ||
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||