The aim of this project (RTsensor) is to develop novel ZnO nanowire network (NN) and self-assembled monolayer (SAM) based gas sensors, which could selectively sense acetone vapors (or other compounds) at room temperature. ZnO NN-SAM chemiresistive gas sensor will unite two novel approaches: light activation and monolayer of carbazole derivatives . Light activation will be applied instead of the commonly used thermal activation considerably lowering its power usage. Carbazole based SAM will have two main functions: 1) functional groups will interact with adsorbed gas and provide charge in response to specific gas; 2) SAM-ZnO will form p-n junction, which under illumination provides activation energy for adsorption-desorption processes and induces charge carriers for sensing signal. Carbazole is a convenient base for SAM as it forms a dense and uniform layer and it can be easily modified with functional groups. ZnO NNs with diameters close to Debye length will serve as porous base and n-conductor.
RTsensor will utilize recent breakthroughs made in carbazole based SAMs and the high yield ZnO nanowire synthesis. Appropriate equipment available in host institution, novel methods and collaboration with high world leading scientists in the field will guarantee the high impact of the project.
Project funding:
Projects funded by the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), Projects carried out by researchers’ teams
Period of project implementation: 2021-06-01 - 2024-03-31
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
