Sensitive Detection of a Gaseous Analyte with Low‐Power Metal–Organic Framework Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Transistors

Abstract A highly sensitive and low‐power sensing platform for detecting ethanol molecules by interfacing high‐purity, large‐diameter semiconducting carbon nanotube transistors with a metal–organic framework layer is presented. The new devices outperform similar graphene‐based metal–organic framework devices by several orders of magnitude in terms of sensitivity and power consumption, and can detect extremely low ethanol concentrations down to sub‐ppb levels while consuming only picowatts of power. The exceptional sensor performance results from the nanotube transistor's high on/off ratio and its sensitivity to charges, allowing for ultra‐low power consumption. The platform can also compensate for shifts in threshold voltage induced by ambient conditions, making it suitable for use in humid air. This novel concept of MOF/CNTFETs could be customized for detecting various gaseous analytes, leading to a range of ultra‐sensitive and ultra‐low power sensors.