Intense Pulsed Light-Treated Near-Field Electrospun Nanofiber on a Quartz Tuning Fork for Multimodal Gas Sensors

Abstract

Accurate and portable gas sensors are required for environmental monitoring, locating leakages, and detecting trace chemical vapors or gases. Although many sensors have been developed, few can rapidly and selectively detect parts per million (ppm) concentration changes. In this work, we fabricate multimodal gas sensors by depositing a single nanocomposite fiber between the prongs of a quartz tuning fork (QTF). The resulting sensors are portable and integrate multimodal approaches by applying both chemo-mechanical sensing for sensitivity and electrochemical sensing for selectivity. Near-field electrospinning (NFES) produces a flexible and semiconductive nanocomposite fiber with ∼500 nm diameter that can be integrated into electronic systems as environmental gas sensors. Intense pulsed light (IPL) and sputter coating improve adhesion of the nanocomposite fiber onto a QTF. Furthermore, IPL offers improved sensing performance due to the higher specific surface area and reduction in polymer content. In this study, hydrogen gas (H2) is chosen as a target gas since it is a common energy source in fuel cell applications and byproduct in chemical reactions. An electrospinning solution containing polyaniline, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and platinum nanoparticles is used to test H2 gas sensing performance. The resulting multimodal sensors are selective to hydrogen versus other gases and vapors including methane, hexane, toluene, ammonia, ethanol, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. Furthermore, the sensors detect ppm levels of hydrogen gas even in the presence of high humidity that typically hinders gas sensor performance. The development of this sensor leads to a new method for compact and portable multimodal gas sensing.

Electrospun Polystyrene and Acid-Treated Cellulose Nanocrystals with Intense Pulsed Light Treatment for N95-Equivalent Filters

“…Electrospinning followed previously reported procedures. 22 To summarize, different volumes were drawn into a 60 mL syringe and injected into a 10-nozzle splitter with syringe needles at the other end. The multi-needle setup is beneficial for increasing productivity and offers promise for scaling-up, but it does sacrifice thickness control.…”

“…The solution preparation procedure is shown in Figure a. Electrospinning followed previously reported procedures . To summarize, different volumes were drawn into a 60 mL syringe and injected into a 10-nozzle splitter with syringe needles at the other end.…”

Surface Wrinkling for Flexible and Stretchable Sensors

“…In one study, Wong et al. [ 210 ] reported a portable multimodal gas sensor by depositing nanocomposite wrinkled fibers between the prongs of a quartz tuning fork. The resulting wrinkles enhanced the specific surface area of the nanofibers and improved the sensor's performance.…”

Flexible Image Sensors with Semiconducting Nanowires for Biomimic Visual Applications

“…[70] The near-field electrospinning is an effective technique for the preparation of 1D inorganic semiconductor NWs, which opens an important application prospect for controllable deposition and precise operation of nano/ microwires. [98][99][100][101] Recently, Chen et al successfully printed pattern Zn 2 GeO 4 semiconductor microwire (SMW) arrays on rigid and flexible substrates using a self-made near-field direct printing system and fabricated high-performance UV photodetectors, as shown in Figure 4. [102] The near-field direct printing method has the ability to integrate large flexible electronic devices because of its high cost-effectivity, time-saving nature, and compatibility with any substrate.…”