A flexible room temperature ammonia sensor based on large area, transparent single wall carbon nanotube thin film

A low-temperature, wet-chemical process for the synthesis of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) films on large area, transparent, flexible substrates were developed and its application to ammonia detection at room temperature were demonstrated. The carboxyl groups were attached in the sidewalls of carbon nanotubes due to wet-chemical process which helps to improve the sensor performance. The transmittance measurement showed that the film is ninety percent transparent to visible spectrum with respect to air. Selectivity measurements were also performed. The sensor responses were same for both the fat and bend film. The present SWCNTs based sensors could potentially be used to develop low cost, flexible, foldable and disposable sensor system for the monitoring of toxic gases like ammonia in environment.