Room-Temperature Hybrid Gas Sensor Based on InAs Nanowires and SWCNT Film

Abstract

We propose a novel hybrid gas sensing platform operating at room temperature, based on vertically aligned InAs nanowires (NWs) integrated with a gas-permeable film of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The sensor is designed for detection of alcohol vapors, including methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and butanol, without the need for heating elements or oxygen-enriched environments.
The architecture supports two independent measurement configurations, allowing selective probing of the SWCNT layer or the InAs NW array. The sensor response is governed by charge transfer processes and the alignment of molecular orbital levels with the electronic states of the hybrid materials. Depending on the configuration, the response exhibits either positive or negative polarity, revealing the dominant role of either InAs or SWCNTs in analyte interaction.
The system demonstrates stable, reversible operation and a monotonic increase in response amplitude with molecular weight of the analyte. Dual-response output enables vector signal formation, suitable for multivariate analysis and selective identification of homologous alcohols. The approach offers a pathway toward compact gas sensor arrays with intrinsic selectivity.
Additionally, the sensor remains functional under varying humidity levels, confirming its applicability in real-world ambient conditions. The proposed design provides a promising platform for future development of low-power, selective gas sensors for environmental monitoring, industrial safety, or medical diagnostics.
Authors acknowledge the Russian Science Foundation for financial support under the Grant No. 25-79-10245.

Speaker

Dmitry Mitin
Alferov University
Россия

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