Constant-power operation of functionalized carbon nanotube sensors for alcohol vapor detection

A constant-power control circuit has been built successfully for the digital operation of CNT-based alcohol vapor sensors. The sensors, which are based on bundles of chemically functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs), have been proven to be sensitive towards alcohol molecules. The resistance of the sensors increases upon exposure to alcohol vapors. The constant-power configuration is developed to avoid the self-heating effect, which is a significant factor in affecting the sensor performance. On the other hand, we also utilized the self- heating effect to clean up the alcohol molecules on the f-CNTs between measurements. The comparison experiments between constant-power and constant-current configurations were conducted. The results demonstrated larger response under constant-power mode, especially when operating power was low or alcohol concentration was relatively high. The responsivity and the sensitivity of alcohol vapor sensors under different mode and operating powers are also discussed.