Using a Microwave Cavity to Study Select Gas-Nanomaterials Absorption/Adsorption

Complex perturbation response of gas molecules and Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes(SWCNT)loaded in microwave resonant cavity operating in TE$_{011}$ mode is presented in this talk. A microwave network analyzer was used with the resonant frequency (9.1-9.8 GHz) to demonstrate selective adsorption response of SWCNT for CO, CO$_{2, }$O$_{2 }$and H$_{2}$. Van der Waals' and columbic forces were studied for a specific degree of affinity by SWCNTs towards select gases. Slater's Perturbation theory, the Claussius-Mossotti and Langevin-Debye relationships were used in understanding the interaction of the gases with nanomaterials. From these results a chemical-biological sensor prototype was developed. The method proposed is to develop operational sensors to detect toxin gases for homeland security and to develop ``sniffers'' to detect toxin drugs.