Co-TPP functionalized carbon nanotube composites for detection of nitrobenzene and chlorobenzene vapours

We report preparation of nanocomposites by non-covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with metal-tetraphenylporphyrins (M-TPP). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results suggest formation of nanosized clusters of Co-TPP around the CNTs surface. X-ray diffraction studies indicate electronic charge re-distribution and strong interactions among CNTs and Co-TPP on functionalization. The films of the hybrid CNT–M-TPP nanocomposite exhibit change in conductivity on exposure to some chemical vapours. In the present work, the films prepared from the cobalt-TPP functionalized CNTs hybrid composites have been investigated for the detection of chlorobenzene (CB) and nitrobenzene (NB) vapours at room temperature. The films show response time of few seconds on exposure to both the NB and CB vapours while the recovery time for NB is significantly different compared to CB. A distinct and highly reproducible response pattern in the relative changes in resistance, recovery and response times on exposure to the vapours of NB, CB and few other chemicals at room temperature has been exploited to differentiate CB and NB vapours from one another.