Ammonia Nanosensors, and Environmental Control System

Abstract

Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes such ammonia. An environmental control system employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A personnel safety system configured as a disposable badge employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A method of dynamic sampling and exposure of a sensor providing a number of operational advantages is described.

1 . A nanostructure sensor for sensing an analyte of interest in a sample, comprising:
 a substrate;   a nanostructured element disposed adjacent to the substrate;   one or more conducting elements in electrical communication with the first nanostructure;   at least one functionalization operatively associated with the nanostructured element, the at least one functionalization configured to provide sensitivity for the analyte of interest, and   a processor comprising instructions for (a) selectively exposing at least a portion of a sensor to the environment so that the sensor portion is exposed only intermittently and (b) dynamically sampling a response signal output from the sensor to determine the presence or concentration of the analyte by analysis of the dynamically sampled signal.   
     
     
         2 . A sensor as in  claim 1 , wherein the nanostructured element includes a network of carbon nanotubes disposed adjacent the substrate. 
     
     
         3 . A sensor as in  claim 2 , wherein the analyte of interest includes ammonia. 
     
     
         4 . A sensor as in  claim 2 , wherein the at least one functionalization includes an organic recognition material. 
     
     
         5 . A sensor as in  claim 4 , wherein the organic recognition material includes a polymer. 
     
     
         6 . A sensor as in  claim 5 , wherein the polymer includes at least one of a conductive polymer and a semi-conductive polymer. 
     
     
         7 . A sensor as in  claim 4 , wherein the organic recognition material includes PABS. 
     
     
         8 . A sensor as in  claim 4 , wherein the organic recognition material includes a non-ionic surfactant. 
     
     
         9 . A sensor as in  claim 4 , wherein the organic recognition material includes glycerol. 
     
     
         10 . A sensor as in  claim 4 , wherein the network includes at least one SWNTs which is stably associated with the organic recognition material prior to formation of the network. 
     
     
         11 . A sensor as in  claim 2 , wherein the at least one functionalization includes an inorganic recognition material. 
     
     
         12 . A sensor as in  claim 2 , wherein the one or more conducting elements includes a spaced-apart pair of conducting elements defining a conduction path through at least a portion of the network. 
     
     
         13 . A sensor as in  claim 12 , wherein the conduction path includes electrical interconnections between carbon nanotubes. 
     
     
         14 . A sensor as in  claim 13 , wherein substantially none of the nanotubes are in contact with both of the spaced-apart pair of conducting elements. 
     
     
         15 . A sensor as in  claim 1 , further comprising a gate electrode configured to electrically influence the nanostructured element. 
     
     
         16 . A nanostructure sensor for sensing an analyte of interest, comprising:
 a substrate, the substrate including a generally sheet-like base material and at least one conductor formed on a surface of the substrate;   a network of nanostructures deposited on the substrate so as to contact the at least one conductor, the network being deposited on the substrate subsequent to the forming of the at least one conductor;   a recognition material disposed in associated with the network of nanostructures, the recognition material configured to interact with the analyte of interest and   a processor comprising instructions for (a) selectively exposing at least a portion of a sensor to the environment so that the sensor portion is exposed only intermittently and (b) dynamically sampling a response signal output from the sensor to determine the presence or concentration of the analyte by analysis of the dynamically sampled signal.   
     
     
         17 . A sensor as in  claim 16 , wherein the substrate comprises a flexible polymeric material, and wherein the network of nanostructures includes carbon nanotubes deposited upon the substrate from a liquid suspension. 
     
     
         18 . A sensor as in  claim 17 , wherein the substrate comprises a flexible polymeric material, and wherein the network of nanostructures includes carbon nanotubes deposited upon the substrate from a liquid suspension. 
     
     
         19 . A sensor as in  claim 18 , wherein the recognition material is associated with the nanotubes prior to the deposition of the nanotubes from liquid suspension. 
     
     
         20 . A sensor as in  claim 18 , wherein the sensor includes at least a pair of conductors formed on the substrate in a spaced-apart arrangement, the network of nanotubes configured to electrically communicate between the pair of conductors, and the recognition material configured so that the interaction of the recognition material with the analyte of interest produces a change in the conductivity of the network between the pair of conductors. 
     
     
         21 - 37 . (canceled)