Abstract: Disclosed are graphene oxide membrane materials of high surface area, which membranes suitably have a surface area of above about 200 ?m and exhibit electrical conductivity in excess of about 200 S/m. Also provided are methods of synthesizing such membranes, as well as devices and sensors that incorporate these novel grapheme materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high sensitive gas sensor using a carbon material containing an ionized metal catalyst and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes the steps of: (1) preparing a hydroxide solution by dissolving a hydroxide in a distilled water; (2) dissolving a metal catalyst in the hydroxide solution; (3) immersing the carbon material in a solution obtained through step (2) and stirring the carbon material; (4) heat-treating a mixture obtained through step (3); (5) cleaning the heat-treated carbon material obtained through step (4); (6) drying the carbon material cleaned through step (5); and (7) manufacturing the gas sensor by loading the carbon material obtained through step (6) on a substrate. The gas sensor having high sensitivity and responsiveness with respect to a target gas even in a normal temperature is obtained.

Abstract: The invention is comprised, in part, of a surface that contains more than one component or construct. Such heterogenous surface compositions and configurations, related systems and methods for sensing particle or analyte interaction therewith can selectively and/or differentially interact with a range of particles/analytes, in lieu of specific molecular sensor-analyte interactions for each particle. These interactions of various analytes or particles can differ sufficiently in strength and range between multiple analyte types or particles to effect a separation of analytes or particles mixtures, in a way that requires no sensing or detection. With incorporation of a sensing mechanism, discrimination/detection of different compounds within an analyte mixture can be accomplished.

Abstract: In an array R of field-effect transistors for detecting analytes, each transistor of the array comprises a gate G, a semiconductor nanotube or nanowire element NT connected at one end to a source electrode S and at another end to a drain electrode D, in order to form, at each end, a junction J1, J2 with the channel. At least transistors FET1,1, FET1,2 of the array are differentiated by a different conducting material (m1, m2) of the source electrode S and/or drain electrode D.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a carbon nanotube film floating on a bottom is provided. The fabrication method of a carbon nanotube film comprises: forming electrodes on a substrate; arranging a suspension comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes on the electrodes; and arranging the carbon nanotubes on the electrodes by applying a voltage to the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods and systems to selectively detect the binding of a molecular species to a biomolecule. In its olfactory sensing application, the hybrid sensor arrays of the present invention provide a high dimensional signature of odorants present that is also readily reversible, together enabling the identification and localization of a source analyte in the presence of the background odorant landscape inherent in a real-world setting.

Abstract: The method for detection of cyanide in water is a method for the detection of a highly toxic pollutant, cyanide, in water using ZnO2 nanoparticles synthesized locally by an elegant Pulsed Laser Ablation technique. ZnO2 nanoparticles having a median size of 4 nm are synthesized from pure zinc metal target under UV laser irradiation in a 1-10% H2O2 environment in deionized water. The synthesized ZnO2 nanoparticles are suspended in dimethyl formamide in the presence of Nafion, and then ultrasonicated to create a homogenous suspension, which is used to prepare a thin film of ZnO2 nanoparticles on a metal electrode. The electrode is used for cyanide detection.

Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical analysis is described, the electrode comprising: an insulating surface; a three-dimensional network of carbon nanotubes situated on the insulating surface; and an electrically conducting material in electrical contact with the carbon nanotubes; wherein the carbon nanotubes are oriented substantially parallel to the insulating surface. Also described is a method of manufacturing the electrode, and a method of electrochemically analysing a solution using electrodes of this type, and an associated assay device or kit.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity field effect transistor using as a channel ultrafine fiber elements such as carbon nanotube, and a biosensor using it. The field effect transistor comprises a substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode arranged on the substrate, a channel for electrically connecting the source electrode with the drain electrode, and a gate electrode causing polarization due to the movement of free electrons in the substrate. For example, the substrate has a support substrate consisting of semiconductor or metal, a first insulating film formed on a first surface of the support substrate, and a second insulating film formed on a second surface of the support substrate, the source electrode, the drain electrode, and the channel arranged on the first insulating film, the gate electrode disposed on the second insulating film.

Abstract: A nanocoaxial sensor includes an outer conductor, an inner conductor, a dielectric material disposed between the outer and inner conductors, a nanocavity sized to allow target species to enter the nanocavity between the outer and inner conductors, and an active sensing element immobilized within the nanocavity on at least one of the inner or outer conductors. The active sensing element is adapted to selectively capture the at least one of the target species.

Abstract: A relatively simple and inexpensive method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles within a short period of time using a household microwave or the like is provided. The energy needed to heat the synthesis reaction is minimized and the organic reducing reagents of the prior art are replaced with natural products such as purified carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, sucrose, fructose, galactose, ribose, lactose) or their readily available and inexpensive forms (e.g., high fructose corn syrup, sucrose syrup). The resulting nanoparticles are purified from the remaining silver ion which is then recaptured for the safe disposal of the waste reaction mixture.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (“CNT”) gas sensor includes a substrate, an insulating layer formed on the substrate, electrodes formed on the insulating layer, and CNT barriers that protrude higher than the electrodes in spaces between the electrodes to form gas detecting spaces. A method of manufacturing the gas sensor includes forming an insulating layer on a substrate, forming an electrode pattern on the insulating layer, coating CNT paste having a thickness greater than a thickness of electrodes in the electrode pattern on the electrodes and the insulating layer, and patterning and firing the carbon nanotube paste, including using a photolithography method, to retain only portions of the CNT paste coated on spaces between the electrodes.

Abstract: A chemical sensor and a system and method for sensing a chemical species. The chemical sensor includes a plurality of nanofibers whose electrical impedance varies upon exposure to the chemical species, a substrate supporting and electrically isolating the fibers, and a set of electrodes connected to the plurality of fibers at spatially separated points to permit the electrical impedance of the plurality of fibers to be measured. The system includes the chemical sensor, an impedance measuring device coupled to the electrodes and configured to determine an electrical impedance of the plurality of fibers, and an analyzer configured to identify the chemical species based on a change in the electrical impedance. The method measures at least one change in an electrical impedance between spatially separated electrodes connected to a plurality of fibers upon exposure of the fibers to the chemical species, and identifies the chemical species based on the measured change in the electrical impedance.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and chips comprising a large scale chemical field effect transistor arrays that include an array of sample-retaining regions capable of retaining a chemical or biological sample from a sample fluid for analysis. In one aspect such transistor arrays have a pitch of 10 ?m or less and each sample-retaining region is positioned on at least one chemical field effect transistor which is configured to generate at least one output signal related to a characteristic of a chemical or biological sample in such sample-retaining region.

Abstract: Conducting polymer nanowires can be doped with analyte-binding species to create a nanowire that has a different conductivity depending on the presence or absence of the analyte.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for detecting at least one chemical compound comprising at least one carbon nanotube with several graphene layers, on which is grafted at least one molecule bearing group G1 capable of reacting with the chemical compound or a precursor of such a group G1. The uses and the method of making such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer nanofibers, such as polyaniline nanofibers, with uniform diameters less than 500 nm can be made in bulk quantities through a facile aqueous and organic interfacial polymerization method at ambient conditions. The nanofibers have lengths varying from 500 nm to 10 ?m and form interconnected networks in a thin film. Thin film nanofiber sensors can be made of the polyaniline nanofibers having superior performance in both sensitivity and time response to a variety of gas vapors including, acids, bases, redox active vapors, alcohols and volatile organic chemicals.

Abstract: A monitoring network system for inspecting and controlling harmful substances includes probe assemblies that each includes a sensor comprising nano structured surfaces or nano particles in a solution, configured to adsorb molecules of a sample material captured adjacent to the sensor, a laser that can emit a laser beam to illuminate the molecules adsorbed to the nano structured surfaces, a spectrometer that can produce spectral data from light scattered by the molecules adsorbed to the nano structured surfaces, and a ID reader that can retrieve identification information about the sample material. A central office can determine a spectral signature matching spectral signatures stored in a database and to identify a harmful substance in the sample material. An alert and response system can send out an alert signal about the sample material when the harmful substance is identified in the sample material.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber for detecting a target, a method of preparing the fiber for detecting the target, a method of detecting the target in a sample, a fiber complex including the fiber for detecting the target, and a kit including the fiber for detecting the target. The fiber may include a polymer, a target detecting material, and a metal nanoparticle, wherein the target material and the metal nanoparticle are fixed to the polymer. The method of preparing a fiber may include preparing a composition that includes a polymer, a target detecting material, and a metal nanoparticle and spinning the composition to prepare the fiber.

Abstract: A solid-state field-effect transistor device for detecting chemical and biological species and for detecting changes in radiation is disclosed. The device includes a quantum wire channel section to improve device sensitivity. The device is operated in a fully depleted mode such that a sensed biological, chemical or radiation change causes an exponential change in channel conductance of the transistor.

Abstract: A novel, resistance-based porous silicon sensor with Pd nano structures as the hydrogen sensing layer is presented. The sensor operates at room temperature. The hydrogen sensor of the present includes a p-Type Si substrate that is subjected to porous Si etching to form a nanoporous substrate. The substrate is then coated with a thin layer of Pd and annealed at 900 degrees C. This results in some Pd getting oxidized on porous Si and a thin PdO layer forms on the surface of the substrate. The sensor in accordance with the present invention exhibits an inverse relationship between increased hydrogen concentration versus resistance.

Abstract: A system for receiving, analyzing and communicating results of sensing chemical and/or physical parameter values, using wireless transmission of the data. Presence or absence of one or more of a group of selected chemicals in a gas or vapor is determined, using suitably functionalized carbon nanostructures that are exposed to the gas. One or more physical parameter values, such as temperature, vapor pressure, relative humidity and distance from a reference location, are also sensed for the gas, using nanostructures and/or microstructures. All parameter values are transmitted wirelessly to a data processing site or to a control site, using an interleaving pattern for data received from different sensor groups, using I.E.E.E. 802.11 or 802.15 protocol, for example. Methods for estimating chemical concentration are discussed.

Abstract: A nanotube device and a method of depositing nanotubes for device fabrication are disclosed. The method relates to electrophoretic deposition of nanotubes, and allows a control of the number of deposited nanotubes and positioning within a defined region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a gas sensor by using a nano-fiber including metal oxide. The method of manufacturing the gas sensor includes the steps of (1) mixing a polymer precursor with a solvent, (2) dispersing metal oxide into the mixture obtained through step (1), (3) preparing a nano-fiber by performing electro-spinning with respect to the mixture obtained through step (2), (4) oxidizing the nano-fiber obtained through step (3), (5) carbonizing the nano-fiber that has been oxidized through step (4), (6) activating the nano-fiber that has been carbonized through step (5), and (7) manufacturing the gas sensor by depositing the nano-fiber, which has been activated through step (6), between electrodes of a silicon wafer. The gas sensor is manufactured with superior sensitivity at a normal temperature and reliability.

Abstract: Provided are a structure and operating method of a semiconductor gas sensor having low power consumption. The semiconductor gas sensor is adapted to adsorb gas to a low-dimensional semiconductor nanomaterial at room temperature, output a change in resistance of the low-dimensional semiconductor nanomaterial, apply power to a heater, desorb the gas adsorbed to the low-dimensional semiconductor nanomaterial, and return the resistance of the low-dimensional semiconductor nanomaterial back to initial resistance. The semiconductor gas sensor senses the gas at room temperature using the low-dimensional semiconductor nanomaterial having a high-sensitivity characteristic at room temperature, and drives the heater only when the adsorbed gas is desorbed. Thereby, it is possible to improve a gas sensing characteristic, reduce power consumption, and provide a rapid response speed.

Abstract: A detector device: a source region (S), a drain region (D) and a gate contact (100) on a substrate (104), with a channel region between the source and drain regions (S, D), an insulator layer over the substrate, comprising vias (140, 142, 144) filled with conductor material, wherein the vias (140, 142, 144) are provided over the source, drain regions and a gate contact, an additional via (152) through the insulator layer, defining a first chamber leading to a first side of the channel region, a nanopore etched from this first chamber through the channel region, and connecting the first chamber to a second chamber, a drive means (60) for providing a voltage bias between the two chambers, a drive means for providing a voltage between the source and drain regions and gate, a current sensor (64) for sensing a charge flow between the source and the drain regions.

Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprising a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive material) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material). In preferred embodiments, the conducting region comprises a nanoparticle. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a chemical sensor that may include a first electrode on a substrate, a sensing member covering the first electrode on the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes on a surface of the sensing member exposing the surface of the sensing member. The chemical sensor may be configured to measure the change in electrical characteristics when a compound to be sensed is adsorbed on the sensing member. Provided also is a chemical sensor array including an array of chemical sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an analyte gas is provided. The apparatus may include a signal amplifier that may include a thin film transistor that may include a semiconducting film that may include a metal oxide capable of chemical interaction with the analyte gas, such as carbon monoxide. The apparatus may be tuned for detecting the analyte gas by varying the gate voltage of the transistor.

Abstract: A diode is provided which comprises a cathode, an anode, and at least one crystalline nanowire in electrical communication with said cathode and said anode. The crystalline nanowire comprises a group IV metal which is substantially straight and substantially free of nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte (10) in a sample, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a transducer (3) comprising a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, and a first reagent (9) immobilised on the transducer, wherein the first reagent has a binding site which is capable of binding to a second reagent (11) in the presence of the analyte or a derivative of the analyte; (ii) introducing the second reagent, the second reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the first reagent in the presence of the analyte or derivative thereof and having a label (12) attached thereto which is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation to generate energy by non-radiative decay, wherein either the first or the second reagent is capable of binding to the analyte or derivative thereof; (iii) exposing the sample to the transducer thereby allowing the analyte or derivative thereof to bin

Abstract: A sensor device is provided for determining the presence and/or amount of at least one component in a fluid. The sensor device comprises at least one sensor unit, the at least one sensor unit comprising at least one elongated nanostructure and a dielectric material surrounding the at least one elongated nanostructure. The dielectric material is such that it is selectively permeable for one of the at least one component and is capable of sensing the component permeated through the dielectric material. The sensor device according to preferred embodiments shows good sensitivity and good mechanical strength. The present invention furthermore provides a method for manufacturing such a sensor device and a method for determining the presence and/or amount of at least one component in a fluid using such a sensor device.

Abstract: The application generally describes devices, systems, and methods for determination of one or more analytes. Embodiments described herein may be useful as sensors for analytes such as explosives, chemical warfare agents, and/or toxins. In some cases, chemiresistor or chemFET sensor devices for monitoring volatile organics, especially chemical warfare agents such as sarin, are described. Some embodiments comprise functionalised carbon nanotube/conjugated polymer composites (6) as sensing material. In some embodiments, the polymer is poly(3-hexylthiophene), 3PHT, optionally substituted with calixarenes, or hexafluoroisopropanol susbstituted polythiophene, HFIP-PT. Biosensing embodiments are also described, as well as methods of manufacturing the devices.

Abstract: The design and synthesis of a matrix nanocomposite containing amino carbon nanotubes used as a functionalized sensing layer for carbon dioxide detection by means acoustic wave sensing devices, e.g., SAW/BAW devices. These sensing materials contain a type of amino carbon nanotubes (single walled or multi-walled) and a polymer (or other compounds) which are sensitive to carbon dioxide in the acoustic wave sensing device based gas sensors. The sensitivity of the matrix consisting of the amino carbon nanotubes and a polymer (or other compounds) is ensured by the presence of amino groups which can react at room temperature with CO2 in a reversible process to form carbamates.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating status and response of a mineral-producing field (e.g., oil and/or gas) by monitoring selected chemical and physical properties in or adjacent to a wellsite headspace. Nanotechnology sensors and other sensors are provided for one or more underground (fluid) mineral-producing wellsites to determine presence/absence of each of two or more target molecules in the fluid, relative humidity, temperature and/or fluid pressure adjacent to the wellsite and flow direction and flow velocity for the fluid. A nanosensor measures an electrical parameter value and estimates a corresponding environmental parameter value, such as water content or hydrocarbon content. The system is small enough to be located down-hole in each mineral-producing horizon for the wellsite.

Abstract: The present application describes a sensor apparatus, especially an electronic nose, based on 2D films or 3D assemblies of cubic nanoparticles capped with an organic coating. The organic coating is modified with unique compositions of functional moieties, e.g. cyclodextrins, to provide the detection of volatile and non-volatile compounds derived from explosive materials, e.g. PETN, RDX, TNT etc. with very high sensitivity. The nose employs pattern recognition algorithms and methods, e.g. PCA, for detecting and quantifying specific explosive compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for detecting components of a mixed gas which increases the detection efficiency using a sensor array in which various types of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and tin dioxide (SnO2) which are sensitive to environment, so as to detect various components of a mixed gas using the characteristics that the effective refractive index change of the sensors induced by the gas adsorption depends on the apecies of nanomaterials and a concentration change in detected materials, thus effectively detecting the components of a mixed gas by the single detection without an inefficient education process required for conventional pattern recognition.

Abstract: A biomolecule analyzing system (10) that provides an expeditious, accurate and reliable method for analyzing a biomolecule (150). The system (10) includes two substrates (12,28) each having an inner edge (14,30), an outer edge (16,32) and an inner surfaces (20,36) from where extends a multiplicity of cilia (22). To the inner edges (14,30) is attached an input tube (82) that is also attached to a biomolecule sample reservoir (90). To the outer edges (16,32) is attached an output tube (106) that is also attached to a sample deposit chamber (120). The tubes (82,106) include a plurality of conductive plates (98) that are applied an electrical charge that causes the biomolecule (150) to traverse through the tubes (82,106). When the biomolecule (150) passes through the cilia (22) signals are produced that are applied to a pair of image capturing devices (40,50).

Abstract: Sensor devices and sensing methods are provided. A sensor device is provided two flow channels, each comprising a sensor, and analyte flow is alternated between the two channels such that the sensors alternately serve as a sensor and a reference, thereby increasing accuracy of the sensors. The device is useful, for example, in chemical sensing using a variety of sensor types including without limitation: chemiresistors, gravimetric sensors, optical sensors, among others. Related sensing methods also are provided.

Abstract: Techniques for ultra-sensitive detection are provided. In one aspect, a detection device is provided. The detection device comprises a source; a drain; a nanowire comprising a semiconductor material having a first end clamped to the source and a second end clamped to the drain and suspended freely therebetween; and a gate in close proximity to the nanowire.

Abstract: Techniques for ultra-sensitive detection are provided. In one aspect, a detection device is provided. The detection device comprises a source; a drain; a nanowire comprising a semiconductor material having a first end clamped to the source and a second end clamped to the drain and suspended freely therebetween; and a gate in close proximity to the nanowire.

Abstract: This invention involves the nano-structured support used for separation or/and analysis, especially the chip substrate, ELISA plate substrate, planar chromatography strip and chromatography gel. Besides, it involves the functionalized nano-structured support of high sensibility for separation or/and analysis, especially the analysis-chip, ELISA plate, planar chromatography reagent strip and chromatography gel. In addition, this invention also involves the nano-structured marking system for analysis. Moreover, it concerns the test kit; especially the chip kit, ELISA kit, and planar chromatography kit. What's more, this invention involves the preparing methods and the applications of all those mentioned above, especially the chip analysis, analyses with ELISA plate, planar chromatography strip and chromatography separation.

Abstract: A structure includes a substantially non-conductive frame having an exterior surface. The structure defines a plurality of passages that open to the exterior surface. Mesoporous material is disposed in the plurality of passages and is supported therein by the frame. In a method for making a mesoporous nanocrystalline titania hybrid material, a templating agent, an acid, and a titania precursor is mixed into a template liquid. A frame that defines a plurality of passages is placed into the template liquid. A solvent is evaporated from the template liquid, thereby forming a titania gel encapsulating the templating agent. The gel is heated to remove substantially the templating agent from the non-conductive frame and the titania, thereby leaving a mesoporous titania material.

Abstract: In an actuator including at least one active electrode disposed in an electrolyte and comprising at least two webs of an electrically conductive material with a plurality of geometrically anisotropic nanoparticles disposed thereon and oriented uni-directionally in a preferential direction with an electrically conductive connection between the nanoparticles and the webs and a potential difference with respect to ground can be applied to the active electrode by a voltage or current source, the nanoparticles are connected in each case to two webs and the connections are material-interlocking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the realization of particular supramolecular assemblies of dyes, in particular cyanines, called J aggregates. The invention concerns an assembly made up of a support including a mesoporous layer whereof the pores have an average BET diameter greater than 1.5 nm, macromolecules with dendritic architecture functionalizing said layer, at least in its pores, a layer of molecules from the family of cyanines interacting with the macromolecules with dendritic architecture and organized into J aggregates.

Abstract: Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are decorated with metal nanoparticles to form high-performance flexible hydrogen sensors. The special process to form the high-performance flexible hydrogen sensors can combine a dry transfer printing technique and modification of SWNTs with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles to provide high-performance hydrogen sensors with excellent mechanical flexibility on plastic substrates. Two approaches can be used to decorate the SWNTs. One is physical deposition, such as electron beam evaporation (EBE) and the other is electrochemical deposition which can selectively grow palladium nanoparticles on the surface of the SWNTs, resulting in significantly decreasing the use of palladium. Preferably, the Pd nanoparticles are deposed on the SWNTs in a discontinuous arrangement so that the Pd nanoparticles are spaced away from each other to form individual discontinuous Pd nanoparticles rather a continuous Pd film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing an external measurand are disclosed. A sensor includes an optical fiber having at least one fiber Bragg grating (FBG) section and a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) surrounding at least a portion of the FBG section. Light is provided into the sensor while the CNTs are exposed to one or more measurands. A change in a spectrum of one of a transmitted portion and a reflected portion of the light is determined. A measurand that has caused the change is identified.

Abstract: A cavity free, broadband approach for engineering photon emitter interactions via sub-wavelength confinement of optical fields near metallic nanostructures. When a single CdSe quantum dot (QD) is optically excited in close proximity to a silver nanowire (NW), emission from the QD couples directly to guided surface plasmons in the NW, causing the wire's ends to light up. Nonclassical photon correlations between the emission from the QD and the ends of the NW demonstrate that the latter stems from the generation of single, quantized plasmons. Results from a large number of devices show that the efficient coupling is accompanied by more than 2.5-fold enhancement of the QD spontaneous emission, in a good agreement with theoretical predictions.

Abstract: An integrated sensing device is capable of detecting analytes using electrochemical (EC) and electrical (E) signals. The device introduces synergetic new capabilities and enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for real-time detection of an analyte in complex matrices, including the presence of high concentration of interferences in liquids and in gas phases.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides sensors and methods for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by determining the conductivity of a chemiresistant film upon exposure to VOCs, including for example chemiresistant films comprised of surfactant-coated metal alloy nanoparticles.