Development of 3D MOF Nanocomposites with Semiconducting Behavior for Resistive Gas Sensors and Photodetectors Applications
Date
2023-12-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of three distinct projects involving novel nanocomposites consisting of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) combined with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs). These projects encompass methane (CH4) detection, the application of MOF composites for diabetes diagnosis through acetone detection, and their utilization as advanced photodetectors. In the first project, addressing the critical issue of CH4 detection, an innovative MOF/MWCNTs-based resistive sensor was developed. CH4 detection is crucial due to its environmental and safety implications. Existing detection methods often struggle with low concentrations of CH4 at room temperature (RT), typically within the range of a few parts per million (ppm). The developed sensor offers cost-efficiency, reliability, high sensitivity, and selectivity, presenting a breakthrough technology with the potential to significantly enhance environmental monitoring and industrial safety. The second project focuses on diabetes management, a global health concern. Traditional invasive blood glucose measurements can be cumbersome. To simplify and improve diabetes monitoring, the research investigates non-invasive nanomaterial-based gas sensors for detecting acetone, a diabetes biomarker. The developed MOF/MWCNTs nanocomposite resistive sensor offers selective detection of acetone at RT and atmospheric pressure, exhibiting remarkable sensitivity. The limit of detection is three orders of magnitude lower than the concentration of acetone in the exhaled breath of diabetic patients. The third project explores the application of MOF/CNF nanocomposites in photodetectors, crucial components in various technological domains. Traditional photodetectors face limitations, such as broadband absorption and the need for costly optical filters in narrowband applications. The introduced MOF/CNF nanocomposites address these challenges, combining the strengths of MOFs and CNFs while mitigating their weaknesses. This research not only overcomes limitations in traditional and recent nanomaterials-based photodetectors but also extends the capabilities of three-dimensional (3D) MOFs in narrowband photodetection applications, potentially revolutionizing photodetection technology. Overall, this thesis explores the potential of MOF-based nanocomposites in addressing critical challenges in CH4 detection, diabetes management, and photodetection, holding promise for environmental preservation, healthcare, and technological advancements.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Himayoonnia, S. (2023). Development of 3D MOF nanocomposites with semiconducting behavior for resistive gas sensors and photodetectors applications (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.