Current Updates of Carbon Nanotube-Based Sensors

Dear Colleagues,

Improving the selectivity and sensitivity of functionalized carbon nanotubes towards different classes of analytes is considered a core direction of carbon nanotube-based research.

Due to the physical dimensions reached with miniaturization, this process is expected to represent a major leap forward that could be treated as an example for other areas of human activity.

The focus has shifted away from pristine CNTs as standalone sensing materials and toward engineered CNT interfaces, hybrid nanomaterials, flexible devices, and AI-assisted sensor systems. The use of such hybrid structures over pristine CNTs emphasizes that these functional interfaces are becoming central to improving sensitivity, selectivity and recovery. The first step in the process toward developing a lab-on-a-chip diagnostic tool for biosensing is CNT field-effect transistors.

Recent work has demonstrated that CNT-based sensing platforms are capable of operating on mechanically compliant substrates, including wearable gas sensors, with the final aim being the development of sensitive layers for detection and measurement of different analytes.

In spite of the impressive laboratory results, several problems remain: (a) Selectivity is the biggest issue; CNTs respond to many molecules, which is excellent for sensitivity but problematic for identification. (b) Humidity: Water molecules can interact strongly with CNT surfaces and functional materials.

We believe that developing new advanced technologies for sensor system integration will create opportunities to develop and extend unique and custom-made solutions in the dynamically developing area of control and measurement systems.

We invite you to join us in expanding the current frontier of CNT-based sensors, not only by focusing on achieving higher sensitivity, but by demonstrating reliable selectivity, stability, reproducibility, and real-world integration through combining CNTs with functional materials, flexible electronics, and intelligent data processing systems.

Dr. Eusebiu Ilarian Ionete
Dr. Stefan-Ionut Spiridon
Guest Editors

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