This article describes the characteristics of the nano sensors.
Environmental monitoring
Nanosensors have powerful capabilities to monitor and analyze microorganisms and toxic chemical compounds found in environmental samples. Nanomaterials can be used to enhance the sensitivity of electrochemical sensors and ion selective electrodes (ISE), which is a conventional technique for detecting trace metals, nitrates, phosphates and pesticides in aqueous samples. Nano sensors also have the ability to measure in real time, which is a very valuable feature for environmental monitoring applications.
Many applications focus on detecting various molecules in specific environments. However, nanosensors can also be used to detect electromagnetic radiation. An example is the use of zinc oxide nanorods or zinc oxide nanowires to detect low levels of ultraviolet radiation. Nanowires are commonly used in electromagnetic radiation sensing applications because they change their resistance state and cause a measurable response to electromagnetic radiation. Nanowires can also be used in parallel, where electrons cascade across all nanowires and provide a fast and effective response.
National defense
On the whole, nanoscience has great application potential in the national defense and military fields. Applications include chemical testing, purification and forensics. However, most of the applications of these nano sensors are still under research and development.
Some nanosensors being developed for defense applications include nanosensors for detecting explosives or toxic gases. The working principle of this kind of nano sensor is that, for example, a piezoelectric sensor can be used to distinguish gas molecules based on their mass. If gas molecules are adsorbed on the surface of the detector, the resonance frequency of the crystal will change, and it can be measured as a change in electrical characteristics. In addition, field effect transistors used as gate potentiometers can detect toxic gases if their gates are sensitive to them.
In similar applications, nano-sensors can be used in military and law enforcement clothing and equipment. The Nanoscience Institute of the Naval Research Laboratory has studied quantum dots for nanophotonics and identification of biological materials. When in contact with an analyte (such as a toxic gas), the nanoparticles layered with polymers and other receptor molecules change color. This will warn users that they are in danger. Other projects include embedding clothing into biosensors to convey information about the user's health and life, which is useful for monitoring soldiers in battle.
Surprisingly, some of the most challenging aspects of manufacturing nanosensors for defense and military use are political in nature, not technical. Many different government agencies must work together to allocate budgets, share information and test progress; this can be difficult in such a large and complex organization. In addition, visa and immigration status can become an issue for foreign researchers-as the subject is very sensitive, government approval may sometimes be required.
Finally, there are currently no clear definitions or clear regulations on nanosensor testing or applications in the sensor industry, which increases the difficulty of implementation. Nano sensors are also used to detect sugar lumps and examine human cancer tissues.
The combination of nanosensors and other technologies will develop more applications
The trend to combine nanosensors with other useful technologies such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microfluidic devices is growing. Useful examples include: depositing nanoparticles on silicon substrates for more effective chemical and gas sensing applications; gold nanowires in microfluidic devices for detecting cholesterol in blood samples; using carbon nanotubes on silicon (CNT) to detect harmful ammonia traces; and to detect trace microbes in fluid samples in fluid-based MEMS devices.
This article is from HONG DA (HK) ELECTRONICS which offer electronic components, semiconductors, antennas, capacitors, connectors, diodes, transistors, IC,resistors. For more product information, please go to the website to get it.