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Abstract:

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were grown using methane CVD with lava as a catalyst and substrate. Metal-oxide phases embedded in the lava are reduced in the presence of hydrogen, thereby promoting catalytic growth. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show a correlation between the growth of carbonaceous nanomaterials and the presence of iron in the alumina matrix. Raman spectroscopy of the carbon deposits proves the occurrence of SWNTs. Although this growth route lacks ef-ficiency, it provides evidence for the claim that SWNTs are a natural allotrope of carbon and that volcanoes may provide an environment for their synthesis. © 2011 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

Abstract:

Few-layer graphene is obtained in atmospheric chemical vapor deposition on polycrystalline copper in a roll-to-roll process. Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to confirm the few-layer nature of the graphene film, to map the inhomogeneities, and to study and optimize the growth process. This continuous growth process can be easily scaled up and enables the low-cost fabrication of graphene films for industrial applications. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.

Abstract:

The teaching of the different aspects of a sensor system, with a focus on the involved nanotechnology, is a challenging, yet important task. We present the development of an electronic nose system that utilizes a nanoscale amperometric sensing mechanism for gas mixtures. The fabrication of the system makes use of a basic microfabrication facility, as well as an undergraduate chemistry laboratory for material synthesis and preparation. The sensing device consists of an array of cross-reactive sensors composed of metal-oxide semiconducting nanoparticles. Each sensor in the array produces a unique response in the presence of a target gas, allowing the sensor to determine the identity and concentration of multiple gases in a mixture. The educational aspects include microheater simulation and fabrication, design and fabrication of interdigitated electrodes, development of interfacing circuitry and software, development and calibration of a sensory array, sol-gel processing of nanoparticle films and their characterization, and details of the fundamental chemical sensing mechanism. © 2011 IOP Publishing Ltd.