A very sensitive and highly selective organic selector in CNTs composite chemiresistive for efficient differentiation of organic amine vapours.

With the call for the IoE (Internet of Everything), stable and efficient electric noses/tongues have become the most critical part of the sensor network. Identifying target gases efficiently and rapidly at ambient air becomes a focus on sensor research. We designed a chemiresistive sensor based on a composite of a specific selector and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) for the detection and differentiation of organic amine vapours in air (25 ℃, 55% RH). The synergetic combination of F4-TCNQ (2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-7,7',8,8'-tetracyanoquinodimethane) and SWCNTs could modulate the electrical properties of sensor leading to the enhancement of response up to ppb-level for primary amine vapor detection. Different from traditional chemiresistive sensor, this sensing materials exhibit unique differences in response to different types of amines thought different mechanisms. We have proven the practical possibilities through the detection of the simulated complexed environmental atmosphere in industrial production. Furthermore, we explored the working mechanism of high-performance sensors, which could provide theoretical guidance for sensor design for more commercial applications. This study provided a simple, convenient, and highly efficient practical method for organic amine detection at ambient air for real-life applications.