Projects solved in 2026

Title

SENSE Scanning Electron-Beam Nanofabriacation for Sensors

Code

101334359

Summary

SENSE: Scanning Electron-beam Nanofabrication for SEnsors tackles a major bottleneck in electronic noses (eNoses), which rely on arrays of partially selective gas sensors. Current devices remain bulky and limited by the inability to integrate multiple distinct sensing materials on a single chip. SENSE introduces a direct-write approach for fabricating multichannel gas sensors using electron beam induced deposition (EBID). EBID enables local decomposition of adsorbed precursors with nanometre precision, allowing site-specific growth of nanoporous carbon-rich and graphene-like films, either pristine or doped, directly onto microelectrode arrays. The project will (i) demonstrate graphitisation of organic and organometallic precursors into carbon-rich nanostructures with tailored composition, (ii) achieve precise site-specific integration of gas-sensitive materials onto commercial platforms, (iii) develop beam control and image-guided automation to ensure reproducibility, (iv) design and test multichannel sensors with diverse material compositions, and (v) establish a reproducible fabrication workflow anchored in advanced characterisation. The methodology combines SEM-based deposition with in situ gas injection, substrate heating, and multi-technique feedback (Raman, FTIR, AFM-IR, XPS, CPEM). This platform enables programmable libraries of functionalised graphene-family materials on a single chip, eliminating masks and transfer steps.

Start year

2026

End year

2028

Provider

The European Union