Packaging and sensing platform using opto-electronic zinc oxide nano-heterostructure integration

In this work we report the sensing behavior of zinc oxide/pyrenebutyric acid nano-heterostructure and subsequent packaging of the sensor. High quality zinc oxide nanowires were synthesized and appropriately characterized. Surface of zinc oxide nanowires were engineered with optically active pyrenebutyric acid. Time dependent fluorescence quenching of the nano-heterostructure was utilized as a means to establish sensing behavior in presence of p-nitrophenol analyte. Furthermore, electrical characterization of pristine and surface-engineered zinc oxide nanowire chip is also reported. Based on these findings it was determined that the synthesized nano-heterostructure was capable of sensitive detection of p-nitrophenol vapor under ambient conditions. However, successful operation and reliable data is critically dependent on the analog sensor circuit design and subsequent packaging. Herein, we demonstrate a packaging strategy for integrating the sensing chip into a complete platform. Challenges with system integration are highlighted and a possible packaging approach for high sensitivity detection is outlined.