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Article
Publication date: 23 March 2012

Gary Hunter, Randy Vander Wal, Laura Evans, Jennifer Xu, Gordon Berger, Michael Kullis and Azlin Biaggi‐Labiosa

The development of chemical sensors based on nanostructures, such as nanotubes or nanowires, depends on the capability to reproducibly control the processing of the sensor…

1250

Abstract

Purpose

The development of chemical sensors based on nanostructures, such as nanotubes or nanowires, depends on the capability to reproducibly control the processing of the sensor. Alignment and consistent electrical contact of nanostructures on a microsensor platform is challenging. This can be accomplished using labor‐intensive approaches, specialized processing technology, or growth of nanostructures in situ. However, the use of standard microfabrication techniques for fabricating nanostructured microsensors is problematic. The purpose of this paper is to address this challenge using standard photoresist processing combined with dielectrophoresis.

Design/methodology/approach

Nanostructures are suspended in photoresist and aligned between opposing sawtooth electrode patterns using an alternating current (AC) electric field (dielectrophoresis). The use of photoresist processing techniques allow the burying of the nanostructures between layers of metal, thus improving the electrical contact of the nanostructures to the microsensor platform.

Findings

This approach is demonstrated for both multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and tin oxide nanowires. Preliminary data show the electrical continuity of the sensor structure as well as the response to various gases.

Research limitations/implications

It is concluded that this approach demonstrates a foundation for a new tool for the fabrication of microsensors using nanostructures, and can be expanded towards enabling the combination of common microfabrication techniques with nanostructured sensor development.

Originality/value

This approach is intended to address the significant barriers of deposition control, contact robustness, and simplified processing to realizing the potential of nanotechnology as applied to sensors.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 January 2019

Shaohua Lv and Jian Wang

The novel structures and properties of nanostructure and nanomaterials give people perfect artistic expression of feeling and sense, then the nanoart discipline is developed and…

Abstract

Purpose

The novel structures and properties of nanostructure and nanomaterials give people perfect artistic expression of feeling and sense, then the nanoart discipline is developed and is closely related on the nanotechniques. The many achieved novel nanostructures with strong anti-corrosion prepared by the anodization have been reviewed. The paper would raise public awareness of nanotechnology, nanomaterial and their impact on our lives.

Design/methodology/approach

Anodization is a very effective and simple technique to form various nanostructures of metal oxide. It includes hard anodization, mild anodization and pulse anodization. Many measures have been introduced anodization process to improve the quality of formed nanostructure and enhance its properties, such as anti-corrosion.

Findings

The formation mechanism of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) by using the mild, hard and pulse anodization has been discussed. The pretexture process and many other measures have been taken in mild and hard anodization to improve the regularity of pore array and greatly accelerate the formation rate of AAO. The pulse anodization has been used to prepare the multilayer Y-branched AAO film, which exhibits steady rich and vivid structure colors and gives a very good artistic expression. Furthermore, many other metal oxide nanostructures such as TiO2 and CuO have also been fabricated using the anodization techniques.

Originality/value

Various nanostructures of metal oxide prepared by anodization have been reviewed and are itself a perfect artwork in mesoscale. Also, many nanostructures have exhibited steady, rich and vivid structure colors and give people a very good artistic expression.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 66 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2021

Iyappan Gunasekaran, Govindaraj Rajamanickam, Santhosh Narendiran, Ramasamy Perumalsamy, Kiruthika Ramany and Radha Sankararajan

Various approaches have been made to alter the vibration sensing properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) films to achieve high sensitivity. This paper aims to report the experimental study…

Abstract

Purpose

Various approaches have been made to alter the vibration sensing properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) films to achieve high sensitivity. This paper aims to report the experimental study of the fabrication of precursor molar ratio concentration varied ZnO nanostructures grown on rigid substrates using the refresh hydrothermal method. The effect of these fabricated ZnO nanostructures-based vibration sensors was experimentally investigated using a vibration sensing setup.

Design/methodology/approach

ZnO nanostructures have been grown using low temperature assisted refresh hydrothermal method with different precursor molar concentrations 0.025 M (R1), 0.075 M (R2) and 0.125 M (R3). Poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene polystyrene sulfonate, a p-type material is spun coated on the grown ZnO nanostructures. Structural analysis reveals the increased intensity of the (002) plane and better c-axis orientation of the R2 and R3 sample comparatively. Morphological examination shows the changes in the grown nanostructures upon increasing the precursor molar concentration. The optical band gap value decreases from 3.11 eV to 3.08 eV as the precursor molar concentration is increased. Photoconductivity study confirms the formation of a p-n junction with less turn-on voltage for all the fabricated devices. A less internal resistance of 0.37 kΩ was obtained from Nyquist analysis for R2 compared with the other two fabricated samples. Vibration testing experimentation showed an improved output voltage of the R2 sample (2.61 V at 9 Hz resonant frequency and 2.90 V for 1 g acceleration) comparatively. This also gave an increased sensitivity of 4.68 V/g confirming its better performance when compared to the other fabricated two samples.

Findings

Photoconductivity study confirms the formation of a p-n junction with less turn-on voltage for all the fabricated devices. A less internal resistance of 0.37 kΩ was calculated from the Nyquist plot. Vibration testing experimentation proves an increased sensitivity of 4.68 V/g confirming its better performance when compared to the other fabricated two samples.

Originality/value

Vibration testing experimentation proves an increased sensitivity of 4.68 V/g for R2 confirming its better performance when compared to the other fabricated two samples.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 49 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 November 2023

Yangyiwei Yang, Patrick Kühn, Mozhdeh Fathidoost and Bai-Xiang Xu

Confronting the unveiled sophisticated structural and physical characteristics of permanent magnets, notably the samarium–cobalt (Sm-Co) alloy, This work aims to introduce a…

Abstract

Purpose

Confronting the unveiled sophisticated structural and physical characteristics of permanent magnets, notably the samarium–cobalt (Sm-Co) alloy, This work aims to introduce a simulation scheme that can link physics-based micromagnetics on the nanostructures and magnetostatic homogenization on the mesoscale polycrystalline structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The simulation scheme is arranged in a multiscale fashion. The magnetization behaviors on the nanostructures examined with various orientations are surrogated as the micromagnetic-informed hysterons. The hysteresis behavior of the mesoscale polycrystalline structures with micromagnetic-informed hysterons is then evaluated by computational magnetostatic homogenization.

Findings

The micromagnetic-informed hysterons can emulate the magnetization reversal of the parameterized Sm-Co nanostructures as the local hysteresis behavior on the mesostructures. The simulation results of the mesoscale polycrystal demonstrate that the demagnetization process starts from the grain with the largest orientation angle (a) and then propagates to the surrounding grains.

Research limitations/implications

The presented scheme depicts the demand for integrating data-driven methods, as the parameters of the surrogate hysteron intrinsically depend on the nanostructure and its orientation. Further hysteron parameters that help the surrogate hysteron emulate the micromagnetic-simulated magnetization reversal should be examined.

Originality/value

This work provides a novel multiscale scheme for simulating the polycrystalline permanent magnets’ hysteresis while recapitulating the nanoscale mechanisms, such as the nucleation of domains, and domain wall migration and pinning. This scheme can be further extended to simulate the part-level hysteresis considering the mesoscale features.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. 42 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2022

Marina Stramarkou, Achilleas Bardakas, Magdalini Krokida and Christos Tsamis

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has attracted special scientific interest over the last years mainly because of its relation to climate change and indoor air quality. Except for this, CO2

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Abstract

Purpose

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has attracted special scientific interest over the last years mainly because of its relation to climate change and indoor air quality. Except for this, CO2 can be used as an indicator of food freshness, patients’ clinical state and fire detection. Therefore, the accurate monitoring and controlling of CO2 levels are imperative. The development of highly sensitive, selective and reliable sensors that can efficiently distinguish CO2 in various conditions of temperature, humidity and other gases’ interference is the subject of intensive research with chemi-resistive zinc oxide (ZnO)-based sensors holding a privileged position. Several ZnO nanostructures have been used in sensing applications because of their versatile features. However, the deficient selectivity and long-term stability remain major concerns, especially when operating at room temperature. This study aims to encompass an extensive study of CO2 chemi-resistive sensors based on ZnO, introducing the most significant advances of recent years and the best strategies for enhancing ZnO sensing properties.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of the different ZnO nanostructures used for CO2 sensing and their synthesis methods is presented, focusing on the parameters that highly affect the sensing mechanism and, thus, the performance of CO2 sensors.

Findings

The selectivity and sensitivity of ZnO sensors can be enhanced by adjusting various parameters during their synthesis and by doping or treating ZnO with suitable materials.

Originality/value

This paper summarises the advances in the rapidly evolving field of CO2 sensing by ZnO sensors and provides research directions for optimised sensors in the future.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 42 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 January 2023

Rajib Gope, Manoj Kumar Nayak, Sachin Shaw and Sabyasachi Mondal

The major goal of this article is to investigate flow and thermal aspects of Oldroyd B with hybrid nanostructure subject to a radially stretched surface under the influence of low…

58

Abstract

Purpose

The major goal of this article is to investigate flow and thermal aspects of Oldroyd B with hybrid nanostructure subject to a radially stretched surface under the influence of low and moderate Prandtl numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The non-dimensional governing equations are solved considering BVP4C in MATLAB as instrumental.

Findings

Entropy generation effect is analyzed. Radial velocity and entropy generation exhibit opposite effect in response to amplified relaxation and retardation time parameters in case of both low and moderate Prandtl numbers. Augmented relaxation and retardation time parameters controls heat transfer rate.The results show that increasing the aspect ratio increases both the average Nusselt and entropy generation numbers for each value of the Prandtl number, while increasing the prandtl number decreases both. There is also a minimum value for the entropy generation number at a given relaxation and retardation parameter.

Research limitations/implications

Assume that the Oldroyd B fluid is dispersed with hybrid nanostructure in order to ameliorate thermal conductivity of Oldroyd B fluid so as to make it as best coolant.

Practical implications

The low range of Prandtl number comprising particles of air, gas, etc. and moderate range of Prandtl number comprising particles of honey, thin motor oil, or any non-Newtonian liquid. The hybrid nanofluid is radiative in nature. Also, the effects of significant physical parameters on entropy generation are highlighted. The entropy generation number intensifies due to the rise in temperature difference parameter at low/moderate Prandtl number effectively. Entropy minimization can lead to the amelioration of available energy thereby enhances the efficiency of several thermal systems.

Originality/value

This article's primary goal is to investigate the flow and thermal aspects of Oldroyd B with a hybrid nanostructure subject to a radially stretched surface under the influence of low and moderate Prandtl numbers.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2020

Man Zhang, Liangping Xia, Suihu Dang, Lifang Shi, Axiu Cao and Chunlei Du

The pressure sensors can convert external pressure or mechanical deformation into electrical power and signal, which cannot only detect pressure or strain changes but also harvest…

Abstract

Purpose

The pressure sensors can convert external pressure or mechanical deformation into electrical power and signal, which cannot only detect pressure or strain changes but also harvest energy as a self-powered sensor. This study aims to develop a self-powered flexible pressure sensor based on regular nanopatterned polymer films.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the self-powered flexible pressure sensor is mainly composed of two nanopatterned polymer films and one conductive electrode layer between them, which is a sandwich structure. The regular nanostructures increase the film roughness and contact area to enhance the friction effect. To enhance the performance of the pressure sensor, different nanostructures on soft polymer sensitive layers are fabricated using UV nanoimprint lithography to generate more triboelectric charges.

Findings

Finally, the self-powered flexible pressure sensor is prepared, which consists of sub-200 nm resolution regular nanostructures on the surface of the elastic layer and an indium tin oxide electrode thin film. By converting the friction mechanical energy into electrical power, a maximum power of 423.8 mW/m2 and the sensitivity of 0.8 V/kPa at a frequency of 5 Hz are obtained, which proves the excellent sensing performance of the sensor.

Originality/value

The acquired electrical power and pressure signal by the sensor would be processed in the signal process circuit, which is capable of immediately and sustainably driving the highly integrated self-powered sensor system. Results of the experiments show that this new pressure sensor is a potential method for personal pressure monitoring, featured as being wearable, cost-effective, non-invasive and user-friendly.

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2022

Amir Asgharian, Reza Yadipour, Gholamreza Kiani and Hamed Baghban

The purpose of this study is to design a plasmonic structure that can be used simultaneously as a heater and a refractive index sensor applicable for heating and sensing cycles of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design a plasmonic structure that can be used simultaneously as a heater and a refractive index sensor applicable for heating and sensing cycles of lab-on-chip (LOC).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors report on the full optical method applicable in the heating and sensing cycles of LOC based on the plasmonic nanostructure. The novelty of this proposed structure is due to the fact that a structure simultaneously acts as a heater and a sensor.

Findings

In terms of the performance of the proposed structure as an analyte detection sensor, in addition to the real-time measurement, there is no need to labeling the sample. In terms of the performance of the proposed structure as a plasmonic heater, the uniformity and speed of the heating and cooling cycles have been greatly improved. Also, there is no need for experts and laboratory conditions; therefore, our proposed method can meet the conditions of point of care testing.

Originality/value

The authors confirm that this work is original and has not been published elsewhere nor it is currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2014

Grazielle de Oliveira Setti, Marcelo Fernandes de Oliveira, Izaque Alves Maia, Jorge Vicente Lopes da Silva and Ednan Joanni

This paper aims to demonstrate the functionalization of polyamide parts made by selective laser sintering (SLS) for application as substrates for chemical analysis by…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the functionalization of polyamide parts made by selective laser sintering (SLS) for application as substrates for chemical analysis by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).

Design/methodology/approach

Fabrication of Nylon 12 (Duraform PA®) samples using two laser power levels and deposition of a layer of gold-coated zinc oxide nanostructures. Performance of these substrates in the detection of a known compound was tested by Raman spectroscopy.

Findings

The hydrothermal synthesis proved to be a good method for functionalizing the surface of polyamide parts made by the SLS process. By varying the synthesis temperature, ZnO nanoparticles and nanorods attached to the sample surfaces could be obtained. The degree of sample sintering had an effect on the growth of the nanostructures. The gold-coated functionalized surfaces enhanced the Raman signal from crystal violet by more than three orders of magnitude. ZnO nanorods grown on well-sintered SLS parts showed the best performance from the set of samples tested in this work.

Originality/value

ZnO nanostructures were grown directly on untreated surfaces of SLS-made polyamide. These substrates were used for chemical analysis by SERS.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Alireza Erfanian, Hamed Mehrara, Mahdi Khaje and Ahmad Afifi

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a successful fabrication of 2 × 128 linear array of typical infrared (IR) detectors made of p-type tSi/porous Si Schottky barrier.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a successful fabrication of 2 × 128 linear array of typical infrared (IR) detectors made of p-type tSi/porous Si Schottky barrier.

Design/methodology/approach

Using metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE) as a unique approach, a sample definition of a porous Si nanostructure region for fabricating of any high-density photodetectors array has been formulated. Besides, the uniformity of pixels at different position along the array has been confirmed by optical images and measurements of photocurrent in IR regime at room temperature.

Findings

The experimental result illustrates the existence of an open-circuit voltage up to 30 mV at 1.5-μm wavelength for an area of 50 × 50 μm2. Additionally, this behavior is almost the same at different pixels of fabricated array.

Research limitations/implications

The uniformity of pixels and definition of nanostructure region are two most important challenges in fabrication of any high-density photodetectors array.

Practical implications

MaCE guarantees formation of reproducible, high-fidelity and controllable nanometer-size porous Si with well-defined and sharp edges of the patterned areas.

Originality/value

The proposed method offers a low-cost and simple process to fabricate high-density arrays of Schottky detectors which are compatible with the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor process.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

1 – 10 of 821