Nanotubes Sensitive To Nerve Gas - New Technology

Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory researchers have found that carbon nanotubes are sensitive to extremely small concentrations—less than one part per billion—of chemical nerve agents.

Their sensors are made from random networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes and have been used to detect dimethyl methylphosphonate, which simulates the nerve agent sarin. The nanotube networks form transistors and when a nerve agent is present the resistance to electricity increases.

By using filters coated with polymers that are sensitive to various chemicals the sensors can detect different chemicals.

Posted 21^st November 2003