A breath sensor using carbon nanotubes operated by field effects of polarization and ionization

A novel microfabricated breath sensor (MBS) based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) has been presented and tested. It has a simple structure of two nickel beams incorporatingwithMWNTs. The responses of the MBS to the behavior of the breath dynamic characteristics are consistent with the exhalation pulse of the human-volunteers, e.g. the exhale flow strength and frequency. It has a rapid response andhigh sensitivity in detecting feeble breath, andno recovery issues such as the adsorption-type sensors are detected. Furthermore, strong anti-interference ability to external air flow and temperature shift is observed. These unique results ensure this MBS can be successfully employed to real-timemonitoring of human breath. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes