Abstract

Carbon nanotubes are a class of carbon allotropes with exceptional properties, making them highly suitable for sensor applications. This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of CNTs, focusing on their synthesis techniques and the impact of these techniques on their structural and chemical properties. The chapter explores the different sensing mechanisms employed by CNTs-based sensors, including electrical, mechanical, optical, and hybrid mechanisms. CNTs exhibit excellent electrical conductivity, enabling target analytes detection through changes in conductivity or resistance. CNTs detect deformations or strains in mechanical sensing by measuring alterations in their mechanical properties. Optical sensing relies on changes in the optical properties of CNTs induced by target analytes. Hybrid sensing combines multiple mechanisms to enhance sensitivity and selectivity. The chapter also highlights the potential of CNTs in heat transfer applications, such as thermal interface materials, heat exchangers, thermal management systems, and energy storage devices. By showcasing the unique features of CNTs, this chapter demonstrates their suitability and efficacy in fabricating various sensor applications. The ongoing research focuses on understanding the underlying sensing mechanisms and improving the design of CNT-based sensors for diverse applications.