Iranian Scientists Produce Graphene-Based Oxygen Sensor

Tehran, Iran |January 23rd, 2015

The sensor has been produced through a simple and cost-effective method, which does not require the need for nano-lithography device.

It is important to control the amount of oxygen in various industries because the reduction of oxygen in the environment causes fatal problems for humans. Graphene-based sensor has been produced in this research to measure the concentration of oxygen.

The devices can be supervised and their performance can be optimized by using this sensor. Various industries that need the measurement of oxygen in the environment, including petroleum, gas, medical and productive industries can use the results of the research.

Zinc oxide nanowires have been used in the structure of the sensor containing graphene oxide nano-sheets. Nanowires cause the reduction of graphene oxide sheets to graphene nano-bands. This process takes place under the radiation of ultraviolet (UV) light after the placement of the produced structure. In addition to the abovementioned performance, zinc oxide nanowires also help the increasing of sensitivity. Low temperature and simplicity are among other advantages of the proposed method.

The sensor produced in this research has much higher electrical respond to oxygen in comparison with other graphene-based gas sensors. We believe that the reason is the creation of linear malfunctions in its structure. Among other advantages of the sensor, mention can be made of its appropriate performance even at room temperature.

source: 
Nanotechnology Now