Nanosensor update

Citation

(2011), "Nanosensor update", Sensor Review, Vol. 31 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2011.08731aab.001

Nanosensor update

Article Type: Nanosensor update From: Sensor Review, Volume 31, Issue 1

Keywords: Gases, Sensors, Nanotechnology, MEMS

Nanosensors have been covered in several previous issues of this journal but the rate of development is such that an editorial decision has been made to feature updates of recent progress in each issue. The explosion of interest is well illustrated by a scientific database search which revealed that, between 2006 and 2010, there has been an almost tenfold increase in the number of nanosensor publications (Figure 1). Commercial prospects are also potentially very significant and according to NanoMarkets, the global market for nanosensors will reach $17.2 billion by 2012.

Figure 1 Growth in the number of publications containing the word “nanosensor”, 2006-2010

These updates will cover all aspects of nanosensor technology, ranging from nanoscale effects and phenomena, nanomaterials and fabrication techniques to nanosensing devices for physical variables, gases and chemical compounds. Reflecting the theme of this issue, part of this first update concerns nanotechnology-based gas sensors and reports on recent research into hydrogen sensors and the selective detection of organic vapours. The second part considers the Casimir effect and nano-electromechanical system (NEMS) sensors and shows how quantum mechanical phenomena need to be considered when working at nanometre dimensions.