Hierarchical Architectures of PMMA/MWNT-NH2 Particles: a Material for Enhanced Volatile Organic Compound Sensing Performance

초록

Hierarchical architectures of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT-NH2) particles were prepared, in which the electrical conductive network was constructed on the surface of PMMA microspheres. The morphology, composition, and electrical conductivity of the particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and four-probe electrical conductivity measurement. The PMMA/MWNT-NH2 transducers were exposed to each ethanol, water, toluene, and chloroform for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensing detection. The particles showed excellent sensitivity, good reversibility, and a strong response compared to the raw MWNTs and MWNT-NH2. This was attributed not only to the formation of a charge transmission path on the particle surface, but also to the interaction between the vapor molecules and functionalized MWNTs. The enhanced sensing performance of the PMMA/MWNT-NH2 particles suggests that it is a good candidate for the preparation of electronic noses for disease diagnostics and VOCs detection.

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