Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Mahfuz, Hassan

Abstract

With the goal of improving chemical detection methods for buried improvised explosive devices (IED’s), the intention of this study is to show that functionalized nano-particles improve the sensing properties of a polymer applied to gas sensors. The approach was reinforcing the polymer, Nafion, with acid-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNT’s). Ammonia was chosen as the analyte for its similarity to IED byproducts without the dangers of toxicity or explosion. Two sensor platforms were investigated: Quartz crystal microbalances (QCM’s) and microcantilevers (MC’s). Preliminary evaluation of treated QCM’s, via frequency analyzer, showed improvements in sensitivity and fast reversal of adsorption; and suggested increased stability. Tests with coated MC’s also supported the findings of QCM tests. Amplitude response of MC’s was on average 4 times greater when the Nafion coating contained CNT’s. Quantitative QCM testing with gas-flow meters showed that with CNT inclusion: the average number of moles adsorbed increased by 35% (>1.2 times frequency response); sensitivity improved by 0.63 Hz/ppt on average; although the detection threshold decreased marginally; but reusability was much better after extended exposures to concentrated ammonia.

Extent

54p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2013.|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA0004014

Format

pdf

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