A novel paper-based flexible ammonia gas sensor via silver and SWNT-PABS inkjet printing

• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2014.02.081
• Publication Date: 2014-03-07T17:00:44Z
• Authors: Lianghui Huang; Peng Jiang; Dong Wang; Yuanfang Luo; Mufang Li; Hoseon Lee; Rosario A. Gerhardt
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

Abstract The manuscript reports a novel and simple fabrication of paper-based flexible ammonia gas (NH 3 ) sensor with silver and poly(m-aminobenzene sulfonic acid) functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT-PABS) via inkjet printing. Silver dispersion was first inkjet printed onto the photo-paper to prepare the electrodes with different configurations. SWNT-PABS dispersion was then printed onto pre-printed silver electrodes to fabricate the ammonia gas sensor. The rheological behaviors of SWNT-PABS dispersion and surface structures of fabricated sensors were characterized. The effects of electrode configuration and the number of SWNT-PABS printed layers on the electric resistance of sensors were studied. The paper-based sensor showed excellent sensor response, short response and recovery time to different concentrations of NH 3 at ppm level, and could be stable for several months. This fabrication method assembling electrodes and testing parts onto the flexible photo-paper is simpler, more efficient, and cost effective.