Graphene-like nano-sheets for surface acoustic wave gas sensor applications

The gas sensing properties of graphene-like nano-sheets deposited on 36 degrees YX lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) surface acoustic wave (SAW) transducers are reported. The thin graphene-like nano-sheets were produced via the reduction of graphite oxide which was deposited on SAW interdigitated transducers (IDTs). Their sensing performance was assessed towards hydrogen (H-2) and carbon monoxide (CO) in a synthetic air carrier gas at room temperature (25 degrees C) and 40 degrees C. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the deposited graphite oxide (GO) was not completely reduced creating small, graphitic nanocrystals similar to 2.7 nm in size. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.