Calix[4]pyrrole-decorated carbon nanotubes on paper for sensing acetone vapor

Noncovalent side-wall functionalization of SWCNT with a pyrene bearing calix[4] pyrrole is reported. The modified SWCNT has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. This calix[4] pyrrole-decorated SWCNT based sensor was implemented on filter paper. The resistance change of SWCNT network upon VOC exposure was monitored in the chemiresistors approach. The calix[4] pyrrole-decorated SWCNT sensor on filter paper was found to show fast and selective sensing of acetone when compared with pristine SWCNT-on-paper sensor due to the binding of acetone by calix[4] pyrrole molecules. The sensor showed logarithmic response toward acetone in a concentration range between 20-500 ppm. (c) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.