Zeolite-Based Interfaces for CB Sensors

Nano-porous synthetic zeolite can be used to interface bio-systems to microelectronic circuits, which are integrated onto Si wafers. Similar micro-devices have the potentiality not only of acquiring and processing biochemical signals in situ, but also of measuring physico-chemical parameters involved in matter conversion, joining with full rights the emerging technology of "laboratory-on-a-chip". Wearable, miniaturized devices capable of fast responses which are also small in size, lightweight and low power consuming have rendered them helpful detecting-to-warn support in case of CBRN threats. Thin layers of Zeolite were deposited on both glass and silicon wafers using a technique fully compatible with standard integrated circuit manufacture. The experimental results of various tests carried out in order to confirm their trapping capabilities of the toxic agents acetone, chlorine, and methanol are reported in this article.