Adsorption sensitivity of Ag-decorated carbon nanotubes toward gas-phase compounds

The authors reported the gas-phase CO2 and NH3 adsorption characteristics of Ag-decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs). High-density CNTs were grown on an oxidized Si substrate by thermal chemical vapor deposition. The average length and diameter of the CNTs were approximately 4.52 mu m and 45 nm, respectively. Ag nanoparticles were coated onto the nanotube surfaces to a thickness of approximately 7 nm. The Ag-coated CNTs were sensitive to CO2 and NH3 vapors and could be used to provide a sensor for these gases. The Ag-decorated samples showed stable, reproducible responses and good recovery. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.