Grantee Research Project Results
2005 Progress Report: μ-Integrated Sensing System (μ-ISS) by Controlled Assembly of Carbon Nanotubes on MEMS Structures
EPA Grant Number: R830901Title: μ-Integrated Sensing System (μ-ISS) by Controlled Assembly of Carbon Nanotubes on MEMS Structures
Investigators: Mitra, Somenath , Iqbal, Z.
Current Investigators: Mitra, Somenath
Institution: New Jersey Institute of Technology
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: May 15, 2003 through May 14, 2006
Project Period Covered by this Report: May 15, 2004 through May 14, 2005
Project Amount: $346,000
RFA: Environmental Futures Research in Nanoscale Science Engineering and Technology (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Nanotechnology , Safer Chemicals
Objective:
An important consideration for trace environmental monitoring is that the characteristics of merit necessary for measurements are high sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility, short response time and long-term stability. To solve real-world problems, sensing systems need to meet these requirements. One method to enhance sensitivity in any analytical measurement is to preconcentrate the species of interest. In addition, complex volatile organic samples in air and/or water require chromatographic separation for the identification of different components. Consequently, both high-resolution separation and sensitive detection play important roles in developing sensing systems.
The objective of this research project is to develop a micro integrated sensing system (μ-ISS) for environmental sensing; preconcentration and chromatographic separation. This will result in enhanced performance that will be achieved at the nanoscale level via quantum interactions on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are directly self-assembled onto the devices. The integrated system will be fabricated while the CNTs are self-assembled by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
Progress Summary:
In Year 1 (2003-2004), we reported the development of a microtrap fabricated by chemical vapor deposition. In this reporting period, we report the development of the scaled-up self-assembly for the fabrication of long columns for gas chromatographic separation. CNTs are known to have high thermal and mechanical stability and have the potential to act as high-performance separation media using nanoscale interactions. For the first time, the self-assembly of CNTs in long capillary tubes for the development of gas chromatography columns has been achieved (Figure 1). A film of CNTs was deposited by CVD to form the stationary phase in the open tubular format. High-resolution separation of a number of compounds has been achieved. The ability to fabricate long tubes coated with CNTs enables their deployment for other applications as well. This phase demonstrated classical chromatography behavior and high resolution. The nanostructured metal catalyst developed on the tube surface effectively anchors the CNTs, leading to the formation of a stable stationary phase. The high thermal stability of CNTs can allow separations at higher temperatures, extending the range of conventional chromatography. The thickness of the CNT film and its morphology can be tailor-made by varying the CVD precursor, the catalyst preparation, and employing chemical functionalization. This can lead to the development of a wide range of chromatographic columns with variable selectivity.
Figure 1. Chromatography on Self-Assembled Carbon Nanotubes. The SEM image shows the self-assembled nanotubes.
Future Activities:
No future activities were reported by the investigators.
Journal Articles on this Report : 3 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 37 publications | 13 publications in selected types | All 13 journal articles |
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Karwa M, Iqbal Z, Mitra S. Scaled-up self-assembly of carbon nanotubes inside long stainless steel tubing. Carbon 2006;44(7):1235-1242. |
R830901 (2005) R830901 (Final) |
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Saridara C, Brukh R, Iqbal Z, Mitra S. Preconcentration of volatile organics on self-assembled, carbon nanotubes in a microtrap. Analytical Chemistry 2005;77(4):1183-1187. |
R830901 (2005) R830901 (Final) |
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Saridara C, Mitra S. Chromatography on self-assembled carbon nanotubes. Analytical Chemistry 2005;77(21):7094-7097. |
R830901 (2005) R830901 (Final) |
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Supplemental Keywords:
carbon nanotubes, single wall nanotubes, chemical functionalization, microtrap, VOCs, volatile organic carbon, aerosol analyzers, air pollution, environmental contaminants, geometric catalytic selectivity,, Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Air, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science, Monitoring/Modeling, New/Innovative technologies, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Monitoring, micro integrated sensinig system, environmental measurement, carbon nanotubes, nanotechnology, nanoengineering, micro electromechanical system, aerosol analyzers, nanocrystals, geometric catalytic selectivity, nanoparticle catalysts, air pollution, air pollution controlProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.