Design and manufacture of TNT explosives detector sensors based on CNTFET

Abstract

Purpose

Miniaturized smart sensors that can perform sensitive and selective real-time monitoring of target analytes are tremendously valuable for various sensing applications. So, the purpose of this paper is to provide details of sensors based on selective nanocoatings by combining trinitrotoluene (TNT) receptors bound to conjugated polydiacetylene (PDA) polymers with single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) for detecting explosives TNT.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, this paper describes the way of creating an FET with CNTs, which are functionalized by the peptide based on TNT molecule recognition elements and PDA, to offer a system which has the capability of answering the presence of related target molecules (TNT). Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

Single-wall nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide are interesting materials for creating biosensors of FETs at nanoscale because of unique electrical, mechanical, geometrical and biocompatible properties. Therefore, this sensor is designed and manufactured, and the results of applying TNT to sensor show good sensitivity and selectivity response.

Originality/value

In this timeframe of history, sensors based on CNTFET are required for different uses, including clinical diagnosis technologies, environmental tests and bioterrorism recognition technologies, that correspond to the military conflicts and terrorism. So, CNTFET sensor design provides real-time detection of TNT explosives.

Citation

Masoumi, S., Hajghassem, H., Erfanian, A. and Molaei Rad, A. (2016), "Design and manufacture of TNT explosives detector sensors based on CNTFET", Sensor Review, Vol. 36 No. 4, pp. 414-420. https://doi.org/10.1108/SR-01-2016-0014