Integrating 3D printing and self-assembly for layered polymer/nanoparticle microstructures as high-performance sensors. Issue 28 (13th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jambhulkar, Sayli; Xu, Weiheng; Franklin, Rahul; Ravichandran, Dharneedar; Zhu, Yuxiang; Song, Kenan
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 8:Issue 28(2020)
• Page Start: 9495
• Page End: 9501
• Publication Date: 2020-07-13
• Subjects: Materials -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Optical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Electronics -- Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d0tc02660c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7526

Abstract

Abstract : A 3D printed, preferentially aligned, and alternate-layered polymer–carbon nanofiber microstructure for a high-performance chemical sensor has been fabricated. Abstract : The development of highly sensitive, selective, and low-cost chemical sensors that can detect trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is essential for environmental sustainability and human health monitoring. Here, a layer-by-layer technique for selective deposition and aligned placement of nanoparticles dependent upon 3D printing-enabled surface patterns is demonstrated. A reasonable deposition density and the preferential alignment of nanoparticles, here carbon nanofibers (CNFs), produced a high-performance chemosensor that can detect low concentrations of VOCs in gas and liquid forms. The highly enhanced sensitivity and selectivity were attributed to efficient electron transport and inter- and intra-nanofiber hopping. This research sheds light on a method to develop rapidly prototyped chemosensors, which are desired for applications in nanocomposite reinforcement, design of supercapacitor and battery devices, thermal dissipation management, surface tension control, and drug delivery systems.