Single-walled carbon nanotube/cobalt phthalocyanine derivative hybrid material: preparation, characterization and its gas sensing properties

A novel hybrid material composed of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) derivatives have been obtained. The resultant hybrid has been confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. The results revealed that the CoPc derivatives had been successfully anchored on the surface of nanotubes through pi-pi stacking. The quantitatively determination of the CoPc derivatives have also been carried out through characterization by thermogravimetric analysis. Furthermore, the morphology of the resultant SWNT-CoPc derivative hybrids has been observed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, gas sensor tests were performed to check the potential of this hybrid material while the sensing devices have been fabricated. The synergetic behavior between both of the candidates allows an excellent sensitivity and selectivity to dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) (stimulant of nerve agent sarin). Overall, we present the advantages of combining metallophthalocyanine (MPc) with SWNTs in enhancing the properties of the final product, and pave a new avenue for the application of SWNT-MPc hybrids in the gas sensing field.