Nanophase materials include carbon nanotubes and monolayer materials such as graphene and the transition metal dichalcogenides MoS2, WSe2, etc. An important characteristic common to them all is that their electrical conductivity is strongly affected by the environment as well as the method of fabrication. While these materials have long demonstrated speed and sensitivity, two qualities important for chemical vapor sensors, specificity, that is, identification of the ambient, remains a goal to be met. Progress in these areas are the subject of this presentation.

Dr. Perkins works in the Electronics Materials Branch, Electronics Science and Technology Division, of the US Naval Research Laboratory. He received an SB in Physics from MIT and an MS and PhD. in Materials Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has been at NRL since 1992, investigating the interaction of molecules with surfaces, and since 2004 developing sensor and other applications of carbon nanotubes, graphene, and transition metal dichalcogenide films. He has been awarded eight patents in this area with two more currently pending.

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is a scientific and engineering Navy command dedicated to comprehensive knowledge of the earth, sea and space to enable Navy and Marine Corps success through science. Based in Washington, D.C., with field sites throughout the United States, NRL employs approximately 2,500 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.