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Article
Publication date: 12 August 2022

Jayaraman Kathirvelan

The purpose of this paper is to deal with an identification of a novel ink-jet printing sensor fabrication technology for fabricating flexible carbon heaters of macro and micro…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with an identification of a novel ink-jet printing sensor fabrication technology for fabricating flexible carbon heaters of macro and micro sizes, carbon interdigitated (IDT) electrodes and silver IDT electrodes. The technology involved in the proposed ink-jet printing method and materials used for the formulation of homemade nano-conductive inks (digital inks) are discussed in detail. The ink-jet printed flexible carbon heaters of different sizes (macro and micro) and carbon IDT electrodes and flexible silver IDT electrodes can be used as the flexible sensing layers in electrochemical gas sensors for sensitive and selective gas sensing applications. The characterization of ink-jet printed carbon heaters on Kapton substrate and its results are discussed. Similarly, the results of formulation of silver nano-conductive ink and printing of silver IDT electrodes on Kapton and its characterization are reported here for the first time.

Design/methodology/approach

Flexible carbon heaters of different sizes (macro and micro), carbon micro-IDT electrodes and silver IDT electrodes patterns were developed using AutoCAD 2D and printed on the Kapton (polyimide sheet) flexible substrate using the home-made nano-conductive inks with the help of EpsonT60 commercial piezo-head-based drop-on demand technology printer with standard printing options.

Findings

The proposed novel method is able to print heater patterns and IDT electrode patterns of approximately 12 µm and approximately 1 µm thickness, respectively, on flexible substrate using the home-made nano-conductive inks of carbon and silver by using a commercial low-cost printer. The home-made nano-conductive inks can be re-used for multiple prints up to six months shelf life. The resistance of the carbon heater was measured as 88 O under normal atmospheric condition. The novel flexible carbon heater was tested for its functionality and found to be satisfactory. The resistance of the silver IDT flexible electrodes was measured as 9.5 O which is better than the earlier works carried out in this paper.

Research limitations/implications

The main challenge is associated with cleaning of printing ink ejection system in the existing commercial printers. The customization of the existing printer in the near future can minimize the printing challenges.

Practical implications

The novel ink-jet printing technology proposed in this work is cost-effective, capable of achieving bulk production of flexible sensor elements, and consumes the least device fabrication time and high material yielding. The printing can be done with commercial piezo-head-based ink-jet printers with custom-prepared nano-conductive inks. There is a huge market potential for this paper.

Originality/value

Both the carbon heaters and silver IDT electrodes were printed on Kapton flexible substrate by using the commercial printer for the first time. The paper is promising the revolution in flexible low-cost sensor fabrication for mass production, and it is an alternate for thin film and thick sensor fabrication methods. The future of sensor fabrication technology will be the ink-jet printing method. In this paper, the research developments of flexible carbon heaters and flexible silver IDT electrodes for the time are reported. The characterization of carbon heaters and silver IDT electrodes were carried out and confirmed that the results are favourable for gas sensor applications.

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1994

Ray Kocache

Summarizes some of the most commonly used gas sensors and describes howeach one works. Covers solid state gas sensors; aqueous electrochemicalgas sensors; paramagnetic gas sensors

Abstract

Summarizes some of the most commonly used gas sensors and describes how each one works. Covers solid state gas sensors; aqueous electrochemical gas sensors; paramagnetic gas sensors, photometric gas sensors; thermal conductivity gas sensors and fibre‐optic gas sensors.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 May 2020

Jayaraman Kathirvelan and Rajagopalan Vijayaraghavan

This work encompasses the various laboratory-based and portable methods evolved in recent times for sensitive and selective detection of ethylene for fruit-ripening application…

Abstract

Purpose

This work encompasses the various laboratory-based and portable methods evolved in recent times for sensitive and selective detection of ethylene for fruit-ripening application. The role of ethylene in natural and artificial fruit ripening and the associated health hazards are well known. So there is a growing need for ethylene detection. This paper aims to highlight potential methods developed for ethylene detection by various researchers, including ours. Intense efforts by various researchers have been on since 2014 for societal benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on types of sensors, fabrication methods and signal conditioning circuits for ethylene detection in ppm levels for various applications. The authors have already designed, developed a laboratory-based set-up belonging to the electrochemical and optical methods for detection of ethylene.

Findings

The authors have developed a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based chemical sensor whose performance is higher than the reported sensor in terms of material, sensitivity and response, the sensor element being multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in comparison to single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). Also the authors have developed infrared (IR)-based physical sensor for the first time based on the strong IR absorption of ethylene at 10.6 µm. These methods have been compared with literature based on comparable parameters. The review highlights the potential possibilities for development of portable device for field applications.

Originality/value

The authors have reported new chemical and physical sensors for ethylene detection and quantification. It is demonstrated that it could be used for fruit-ripening applications A comparison of reported methods and potential opportunities is discussed.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 40 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1992

Peter McGeehin

Four well established, successful and expanding UK sensors firms, and six small but ambitious ones (the latter all recipients of DTI SMART Awards) feature in case studies…

Abstract

Four well established, successful and expanding UK sensors firms, and six small but ambitious ones (the latter all recipients of DTI SMART Awards) feature in case studies undertaken with support of the DTI Advanced Sensors Technology Transfer Programme. These studies have two objectives: to pick out some real UK successes, and to encourage the present generation of sensors researchers to consider establishing a new firm around their work. The first four case studies described below cover the following established and expanding firms:

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1993

J.K. Atkinson

The University of Southampton has been active in the area of thick‐film sensors since their initial conception through to the present. Recent research at the university has…

Abstract

The University of Southampton has been active in the area of thick‐film sensors since their initial conception through to the present. Recent research at the university has concerned the use of thick‐film sensor arrays for the discrimination of chemical species in both gaseous and dissolved form. In addition, the detection of many physical parameters is now being addressed through the use of arrays of sensing elements with a view to improving on factors such as noise immunity, environmental cross‐sensitivity and long‐term accuracy. In the area of chemical sensing, extensive use has been made of thick‐film technology to allow low‐cost arrays of chemical sensors to be fabricated. The lack of specificity exhibited by the individual sensing elements has been demonstrably overcome through the use of signal processing techniques applied to the outputs of the array of sensors. Thick‐film chemical sensor research currently under way at Southampton includes a UK DTI/SERC funded LINK project concerning dissolved species monitoring for water quality assessment. Additionally, gas sensor arrays for the detection of toxic and flammable gases are being explored as part of a well established ongoing research programme. The use of thick‐film technology for the fabrication of physical sensors has been extensively documented. Current research at the University of Southampton includes an industrially sponsored project involving the use of thick‐film strain sensing resistors in the design of an accelerometer. The use of Z‐axis piezoresistivity and an array approach to solving noise and drift problems is seen as a significant novelty in this work.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2008

Christine Connolly

The purpose of this paper is to explore various techniques for detecting gases and particles, with particular application to environmental measurements.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore various techniques for detecting gases and particles, with particular application to environmental measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

The technique and application of infrared absorption sensing of gases is presented, followed by sorbent‐based, catalytic and electrochemical methods. Airborne particle detection techniques are then reported, including filtration, laser scattering and light detection and ranging.

Findings

Various long‐term environmental monitoring programmes measure atmospheric composition and pollution levels. Atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased by 20 per cent since 1958. Hand‐held sensors provide timely warning in fire‐fighting and industrial leakage situations.

Originality/value

Helps the engineer understand the principles of gas and particle detection and the capabilities of portable sensors, and extends general knowledge of environmental programmes.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2018

Partha Pratim Ray

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a notable invention introduced in the biomedical industry. It provides valuable information about intermittent capillary blood glucose that…

Abstract

Purpose

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a notable invention introduced in the biomedical industry. It provides valuable information about intermittent capillary blood glucose that is normally unattainable by regular clinical blood sample tests. CGM includes several progressive facilities such as instantaneous and real-time display of blood glucose level, “24/7” coverage, continuous motion of alerts for actual or impending hypo- and hyperglycemia and the ability to characterize glycemic variability. CGM allows users and physicians to visualize and diagnose more accurate and precise rate of change of glucose by capacitating small, comfortable, user-friendly sensor devices. Sometimes, this vital information is shared to the personal message box over Internet. In short, CGM is capable to inform, educate, motivate and alert (IEMA) people with diabetes. Despite the huge expectation with CGM, the available solutions have not attracted much attention among people. The huge potential of CGM in future diabetic study relies on the successful implication of the CGM. This paper aims at disseminating of state-of-the-art knowledge about existing work around the CGM.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review on the recent developments in CGM development techniques that have been reported in credible sources, namely PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Springer Link, Scopus and Google Scholar. Detailed analysis and systematic comparison are provided to highlight the achievement and future direction of CGM deployment.

Findings

Several key challenges are also portrayed for suitable opportunistic orientation. CGM solutions from four leading manufacturers such as Tandem, Dexcom, Abbott and Medtronic are compared based on the following factors including accuracy (% MARD); sensor lifetime, calibration requirement, smart device, compatibility and remote monitoring. Qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed.

Originality/value

This work can be a valuable source of reference and guidance for future research in this field.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 28 June 2011

358

Abstract

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2015

Omar Alhartomy

The aim of this study is to investigate the humidity-sensing of polyaniline–zinc oxide (PANI–ZnO) nanocomposites. Humidity sensor has wide applications in drug industries, food…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the humidity-sensing of polyaniline–zinc oxide (PANI–ZnO) nanocomposites. Humidity sensor has wide applications in drug industries, food industries and domestic purpose to regulate the humidity level.

Design/methodology/approach

PANI–ZnO composites were prepared by in situ polymerization method, and further humidity response was tested by using a two-probe sensor setup.

Findings

PANI-ZnO composites surface were modified by using camphor sulphonic acid. DC conductivity is due to the hopping of polorans. Thermal coefficient value varies from 1.7 to 2.3. The 30 weight per cent composite shows high sensitivity among other composites.

Research limitations/implications

These composites can be used only at room temperature or moderate temperature, i.e. below 280°C.

Practical implications

The composites are prepared in tetrapod shape that has a large surface area and more stability. Therefore, these materials would be the replacement for conventional materials.

Social implications

These sensors have many applications in food and drug preservation, domestic purposes, etc.

Originality/value

This work is original, and not being considered for publication elsewhere. In this work, the charge transport properties were evaluated based on the resistivity change when samples were exposed to humidity.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1994

I Robins

Reports on the research and development work carried out at CentralResearch Laboratories Ltd [CRL], concentrating on their physical and chemicalsensing techniques and the…

Abstract

Reports on the research and development work carried out at Central Research Laboratories Ltd [CRL], concentrating on their physical and chemical sensing techniques and the manufacture of sensors based on silicon field effect transistors [FETs]. Describes the use of FETs in ion sensitive field effect transistors and gives their advantages over conventional ion selective electrodes, suggesting possible application areas might be in clinical blood analysis, soil sampling and water testing. Also looks at the use of FETs in gas sensitive field effect transistors, which have been used in chicken house atmosphere monitoring and for detecting hydrogen induced cracking in oil and gas pipelines. CRL has also been involved in the development of low cost electro‐chemical gas cells by new manufacturing techniques. Concludes with the range of sensor technologies that CRL has expertise in.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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