p-n半導体コンタクトによる分子認識 Molecular Recognition by a p-n Semiconductor Contact

A novel and promising method for the detection of chemical molecules in a liquid was realized using a contact of p- CuO and n-type ZnO semiconducting ceramics (p-n contact) . When this device is soaked in an alcohol, a characteristic current-voltage (I-V) relation is observed. It is possible to discriminate the chemical species and to estimate the alcohol concentration in alcohol-water solutions. Since the characteristic I-V relation occurs from chemical interaction between alcohol molecules and semiconductor surfaces at the contact interface, the p-n contact is expected to be applicable for the detection of other chemical molecules in a liquid- or gas-state.