Conductivity, chemical sensors

Surface conduction Chemical sensors SnOi, TiOi... 

Several kinds of conduction mechanisms are operative in ceramic thermistors, resistors, varistors, and chemical sensors. Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors make use of the semiconducting properties of heavily doped transition metal oxides such as n-ty e Ti O andp-ty e... 

J. Janata and M. Josowicz, Nature Materials, 2 (1), (2003) 19-24, Conducting polymers in electronic chemical sensors ... 

We showed that these mesoporous silica materials, with variable pore sizes and susceptible surface areas for functionalization, can be utilized as good separation devices and immobilization for biomolecules, where the ones are sequestered and released depending on their size and charge, within the channels. Mesoporous silica with large-pore-size stmctures, are best suited for this purpose, since more molecules can be immobilized and the large porosity of the materials provide better access for the substrates to the immobilized molecules. The mechanism of bimolecular adsorption in the mesopore channels was suggested to be ionic interaction. On the first stage on the way of creation of chemical sensors on the basis of functionalized mesoporous silica materials for selective determination of herbicide in an environment was conducted research of sorption activity number of such materials in relation to 2,4-D. 

The development of highly selective chemical sensors for complex matrixes of medical, environmental, and industrial interest has been the object of greate research efforts in the last years. Recently, the use of artificial materials - molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) - with high recognition properties has been proposed for designing biomimetic sensors, but only a few sensor applications of MIPs based on electrosynythesized conductive polymers (MIEPs) have been reported [1-3]. 

A chemical sensor array (consisting of eight conducting polymer sensors) derived from an electronic nose [62], for the characterization of headspace gas from a sparged liquid sample... 

The response curve (RC) represents the calibrated output response of a sensor as a function of the measurand/s applied to its input. For instance, in the case of a chemical sensor based on conductivity (G), it is recommended to use one of the following notations [1] for the output response ... 

Figure 1. Stylised chemical sensor comprising a conducting cable or track to convey the electronic signal to the outside world, a transducer to sense the chemical signal and convert it into an electronic form, and a chemically sensitive film or membrane at which the molecular binding event occurs.

Polythiophenes (PTs)/CNTs composites have emerged as an intriguing system for use as photovoltaic devices and field effect transistors [57]. Swager and Bao independently reported methods for the assembling of PTs/CNTs systems and showed their great potential as transparent conductive films [58]. Another interesting application arises from the possibility to functionalize the polythiophene backbone for applications as chemical sensors [134]. 

During World War II, copious quantities of ordnance were lost into the harbor at Halifax, Nova Scotia. Decades later, these UUXO now present a significant environmental contamination problem. Studies conducted on this ordnance by Sandia National Laboratories [1] suggest that there may be sufficient concentrations of explosive chemical signature compounds emanating from UUXO to enable detection with chemical sensors. Some UUXO in Halifax Harbor have been shown to produce parts-per-billion levels of explosives in the water near the ordnance. In addition to the parent explosive compound (TNT), other explosive-related compounds such as 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) were detected, as were degradation products of TNT such as 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-ADNT), and... 

If one asks what are the applications of conducting polymers, the short answer is none . At the present time (July 1988), the most active field of development is in batteries. There have also been large programmes aimed at developing photovoltaic cells, chemical sensors, semiconductor devices and optical switches. A host of small groups have also investigated the feasibility of various applications. A complete survey is also very difficult because the tendency is to publish completed but unsuccessful studies. 

Chemical modulation of the surface conductivity is the principle of operation of some of the most commercially successful chemical sensors, the high temperature semiconducting oxide sensors. They are known by their brand name Figaro sensors. They are discussed in detail in Section 8.2.2.1. The reason for their commercial success lies in the fact that their performance and cost match exactly the specific practical needs of many applications, particularly those of the automotive industry. They have been described in great detail, from the point of view of both the underlying physics and chemistry (Morrison, 1994 Logothetis, 1987). 

A new solid state chemical sensor for sulfur dioxide utilizing a sodium sulfate/rare earth sulfates/silicon dioxide electrolyte has been developed. The addition of rare earth sulfates and silicon dioxide to the sodium sulfate electrolyte was found to enhance the durability and electrical conductivity of the electrolyte. The electrolyte exhibits a Nernstian response in the range of SC gas concentrations from 30 ppm to 1 %. 

Conducting polymers based on polymer chains with conjugated double bonds are electroactive materials that have found widespread use also in the field of chemical sensors [11-41], Oxidation of the conjugated polymer backbone is accompanied by anion insertion or cation expulsion, as follows ... 

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