Semiconductor gas sensors for chemical warfare agents

Abstract A brief overview is given for a variety of sensors for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWA) semiconductor thick- or thin-fihn gas sensors with oxide and noble metal additives, surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors with a polymer membrane, and an ion mobility sensor (IMS). This is followed by discussion on the preparation methods for the sensing materials employed in semiconducting devices, and SAW sensors are introduced.The chapter closes with the results and observations from the examination and study of these devices. 

Key words chemical warfare agents (CWA), polymer, semiconducting device, SAW-type sensor, principal component analysis (PCA). 

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are highly toxic materials which are known to cause fatal damage to human beings, animals, and plants. The agents are known as the nuclear weapons for poor countries , as the cost is much lower compared with nuclear weapons.  

Since the September 11 attacks, there has been increased concern worldwide about CWAs, as well as increased interest in developing technology for confronting this threat. 

The general requirements of devices with which to monitor CWAs are  

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Semiconductor gas sensors for chemical warfare agents 469 Table 14.1 Comparison of nuclear weapons and chemical agents ... 

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