Grantee Research Project Results

2024 Progress Report: 2D MoS2-Based Field Effect Transistor Sensors for Airborne PFAS Detection

EPA Grant Number: SU840683
Title: 2D MoS2-Based Field Effect Transistor Sensors for Airborne PFAS Detection
Investigators: Zhao, Mark , Zhang, Wen , Alam Sabuj, Md Mohidul , Zhang, Jiahe , Naseer, Mariam
Institution: New Jersey Institute of Technology
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: I
Project Period: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025
Project Period Covered by this Report: January 1, 2024 through December 31,2024
Project Amount: $75,000
RFA: 20th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Request for Applications (RFA) (2023) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Toxics , Watersheds , Endocrine Disruptors , Environmental Engineering , Air Quality and Air Toxics , Air , P3 Awards

Objective:

In this EPA P3 project, we aim to develop 2D MoS₂-based field-effect transistor (FET) sensors for airborne PFAS detection. We proposed to develop a universal functionalization method based on the use of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) film encapsulation and 1-pyrenebutyric hydrazide (PBH) linker molecule for the fabrication of PFAS air sensors. We will systematically investigate the sensing performance, including response time, sensitivity, and selectivity, of the FET sensors for the detection of different kinds of airborne PFAS molecules. We will further carry out the field tests of the fabricated 2D MoS₂-based FET PFAS air sensors.

Progress Summary:

During the project reporting period, we successfully fabricated 2D MoS₂-based FET sensors for the rapid detection of airborne PFAS molecules with a high sensitivity. We developed a universal functionalization method based on the use of hBN film encapsulation and pyrene-based linker molecules. The hBN encapsulation was demonstrated to be efficient to improve the stability of the MoS₂-based FET devices. Characterizations using AFM, Raman, and Microscope confirmed the high quality of lab-grown MoS₂ and hBN films, and the successful functionalization of PBH on the hBN encapsulated 2D MoS₂-based FET devices. We demonstrated that PBH functionalization on the hBN encapsulation layer is essential for the sensitive and selective detection of airborne PFAS. Also, a new FET electrode array was designed to ensure the detection data reliability, sensor fabrication scalability, and minimum device-to-device variations. The asfabricated 2D MoS₂-based FET sensors achieved a high signal-to-noise ratio of 40-200, quick response time of 5-40 s, and a low limit of detection (LoD) value of 1.6 ppb during the detection of airborne 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH).

Outcomes

We demonstrated the 2D MoS₂-based FET sensor systems for the rapid and in-situ detection of airborne PFAS molecules, providing new insights into nanotechnology-enabled smart sensors for airborne PFAS detection. The universal functionalization method developed in this project can be applied to any other nanomaterials-based sensing systems for the development of various kinds of nano-enable sensors. The fabricated FET sensor chips have great potential to be integrated into a portable sensor system to foster the commercialization of FET PFAS air sensors, which will contribute to protect the public from exposure to toxic PFAS air emission.

Future Activities:

Improve the airborne PFAS generation system through the vaporization method instead of the current vapor pressure method to enhance the sensor sensitivity.
Fabrication of PFAS-specified molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) funcationalized FET sensors and determine their selectivity to airborne PFAS detection.
Assessment of the sensing performance of FET sensors for different kinds of airborne PFAS.
Evaluate the stability and reusability of the MoS₂-based FET PFAS air sensors 5. Field demonstration of the MoS₂-based FET PFAS air sensors

Supplemental Keywords:

2D MoS₂, FET sensors, airborne PFAS, detection, response time, sensitivity, selectivity, stability, reusability

Relevant Websites:

Low-Dimensional Materials (LDM) Laboratory - NJIT Exit

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The 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.