Effects of UV light irradiation on fluctuation enhanced gas sensing by carbon nanotube networks

The exceptionally large active surface-to-volume ratio of carbon nanotubes makes it an appealing candidate for gas sensing applications. Here, we studied the DC and low-frequency noise characteristics of a randomly oriented network of carbon nanotubes under NO2 gas atmosphere at two different wavelengths of the UV light-emitting diodes. The UV irradiation allowed to sense lower concentrations of NO2 (at least 1 ppm) compared to dark conditions. Our experimental studies confirmed that the flicker noise of resistance fluctuations under UV irradiation significantly enhanced the sensing characteristics of nanotube networks at low concentrations. We observed a dominating 1/f-like noise component below 1 kHz. The sensitivity of nanotube networks was higher for shorter wavelength, whereas drift in the resistance was smaller for longer wavelength. The measurements under the NO2 gas atmosphere revealed a remarkable reduction in DC resistance drift of the nanotube network between consecutive cycles of gas sensing. This phenomenon was explained via absorption-desorption of NO2 gas molecules on nanotubes surface. Since small concentrations of NO2 pose a threat to the ecosystem, these results might play a significant role in the development of sensitive nanotubes-based photo-activated gas sensors. [Display omitted] •Flicker noise can be effectively used for NO2 sensing by carbon nanotube networks.•UV illumination enhances sensitivity to NO2 gas in carbon nanotubes.•Response to NO2 is more accelerated under UV illumination by shorter wavelengths.•Flicker noise in the carbon nanotube network has dependence on UV light wavelengths.