Sensitive Detection of a Gaseous Analyte with Low-Power Metal-Organic Framework Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Transistors

A highly sensitive and low-power sensing platform for detecting ethanol molecules by interfacing high-purity, large-diameter semiconducting carbon nanotube transistors with a metal-organic framework layer is presented. The new devices outperform similar graphene-based metal-organic framework devices by several orders of magnitude in terms of sensitivity and power consumption, and can detect extremely low ethanol concentrations down to sub-ppb levels while consuming only picowatts of power. The exceptional sensor performance results from the nanotube transistor's high on/off ratio and its sensitivity to charges, allowing for ultra-low power consumption. The platform can also compensate for shifts in threshold voltage induced by ambient conditions, making it suitable for use in humid air. This novel concept of MOF/CNTFETs could be customized for detecting various gaseous analytes, leading to a range of ultra-sensitive and ultra-low power sensors. Outstanding performance in detecting ethanol molecules at sub-ppb concentrations is achieved by integrating large-diameter carbon nanotube field-effect transistors with a metal-organic framework layer. These sensors operate with extremely low power consumption in the picowatt range and exhibit insensitivity to ambient humidity conditions, positioning them as promising candidates for practical real-world applications.image