Electrophoretic deposition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes onto porous silicon with enhanced NO2-sensing characteristics

The multiwalled carbon nanotubes were successfully electrophoresis deposited onto porous silicon to form a multiwalled carbon nanotubes/porous silicon composite and were then fabricated into chemiresistive gas sensors. The morphology, microstructure and NO2-sensing characteristics of the composite were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and gas-sensing test. The results indicated that all the carbon nanotubes/porous silicon sensors showed typical p-type semiconductor behavior at room temperature (similar to 25 degrees C) of the optimal working temperature. The carbon nanotubes/porous silicon sensor under the electrophoresis time of 5 min yielded the best NO2-sensing characteristics, including a high sensor response (similar to 8.5), fast response-recovery time (similar to 37 s and similar to 34 s), good repeatability and selectivity toward 1 ppm NO2. The heterostructure effect as well as the high specific surface area and the unblocked porous structure was considered essential for the gas-sensing performance.

Automated summary

The multiwalled carbon nanotubes were successfully deposited onto porous silicon to form a composite, which was then used to fabricate chemiresistive gas sensors. The sensors showed p-type semiconductor behavior at room temperature, with the sensor fabricated using a 5-minute electrophoresis time demonstrating the best NO2-sensing characteristics, including high response, fast response-recovery time, good repeatability, and selectivity toward 1 ppm NO2. The gas-sensing performance was attributed to the heterostructure effect, high specific surface area, and unblocked porous structure.