Development of technology for gas sensors using graphite nanometric layers

• Grant number: 09/00045-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: April 01, 2009
• End date: September 30, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical Materials
• Principal Investigator: Stanislav Moshkalev
• Grantee: Francisco Paulo Marques Rouxinol
• Host Institution: Centro de Componentes Semicondutores (CCS). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project is aimed at development of a set of technologies for fabrication of devices based on graphite nanolayers (GNL), as well as at study of their physical and chemical properties. The main objective is to establish a technological platform for fabrication of sensors for detection of gases, like H2, NH3, CO, CO2 e H2S, present in some industrial processes and environment, with precision, selectivity and reproducibility. Sensors in FET and/or chemical resistor configurations, employing NLG obtained with physical and chemical processes, will be developed. When some gas is in contact with a surface of NLG, this result in a modification of electrical conductivity of the GNL. The monitoring of this physical quantity makes possible detection of gases and their flows, including quantitatively, in certain environments. In order to make possible an enhancement of selectivity and sensibility of such devices, the GNLs will be decorated with metal and oxide nanoparticles. These particles, incorporated in the surface of GNLs, induce modifications in their electronic structure, with introduction or removal of charge carriers. Besides, this allows for stronger interaction of the particles with gas molecules, occurring through the processes of diffusion, chemical or physical interaction, and maybe catalyses, resulting in enhancement of sensitivity of the structure in the presence of gases. By employing the technologies exciting in CCS/UNICAMP and the laboratories where the proponent and supervisor have established cooperation, we expect to fabricate devices that allow for detection of various gases with high sensibility, selectivity and reproducibility after many operation cycles.