Chemiresistive sensor fabricated by the sequential ink-jet printing deposition of a gold nanoparticle and polymer layer

A technique for the fabrication of chemiresistive sensors using ink-jet printing is reported. Gold nanoparticles stabilised in water were ink-jet printed on gold interdigitated electrodes patterned on an oxidized silicon wafer. As a first step the influence of substrate functionalization, electrode spacing, and nanoparticle density were investigated by electrical measurements and microscopy imaging. Finally a second layer of PHEMA polymer was printed on top of the gold nanoparticle films. The device was exposed to vapours of humidity and ethanol and the obtained results are presented.