Hydrogen peroxide vapor sensor using metal-phthalocyanine functionalized carbon nanotubes

We have developed a process for preparation of composites by blending and ultrasonification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with metal-phthalocyanines and have used the same as very selective and sensitive sensor for detection of H2O2 vapors. A combination of sensors made from composites of cobalt-phthalocyanine and copper-phthalocyanine with multiwall carbon nanotubes has been found to show opposite conductivities to H2O2 vapors while the pair shows similar response to other chemical vapors. This unusual behavior makes this paired sensor as a reliable method to selectively identify the presence of H2O2 vapors with response and recovery times of few seconds. Our developed sensors work at room temperature and show resistivity in the range of 104 to 105 Ω cm. They can be employed for detection of H2O2 based explosives, to monitor levels of H2O2 in industrial units and other applications.