Gas sensitivity of individual nanostructures based on functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and metal oxides

Abstract

Using the methods of scanning force microscopy, the gas sensitivity properties of individual composite nanostructures based on CNTs, functionalized by argon ions and coated with tin and titanium oxides are investigated. The Fermi level shift and the change in longitudinal conductivity upon absorption ammonia and nitrogen dioxide are determined. It is shown that the change in conductivity of the composite nanostructures to the correlates with the Fermi level shift under gases exposure as a result of charge carriers concentration changing in the metal oxide surface layers upon adsorption of gas molecules.

Keywords

• carbon nanotubes
• tin oxide
• titanium oxide
• composite nanostructures
• conductivity
• fermi level
• gas sensitivity