The Influence Factors of Hydrogen Detectors Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: from Modification to Self-Characteristic

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been used to fabricate hydrogen gas (H2) detectors for several decades. It is proved that SWNTs interact barely with H2 so that many kinds of modifications are employed to assist. The additives include metals, metal oxides, polymers and so on. Especially, some researches point out when combined with functional groups on the SWNTs, the additives could improve responsivity for several orders of magnitude. In the current researches, numerous novel structures have been exploited. Besides, the structures of SWNTs, such as diameters and chirality also influence the performance of H2 detectors. In this article, the modifications on the SWNTs are classified and the influence factors are also discussed, aiming to contribute to manufacture detectors with high responsivity and low limit of detection (LOD).