Triboelectric Nanosensor Integrated with Robotic Platform for Self-Powered Detection of Chemical Analytes.

Rapid on-site detection of hazardous chemicals is imperative for remote security and environmental monitoring applications. However, the implementation of current sensing technologies in real environments is limited due to an external high-power requirement, poor selectivity and sensitivity. Recent progress in triboelectric nanosensors and nanogenerators presents tremendous opportunities to address these issues. Here, we report an innovative self-powered triboelectric nanosensor for detection of Hg2+ ions, a harmful chemical pollutant, in a rapid single step on-site detection mechanism. Based on the mechanism of solid-liquid contact electrification, tellurium nanowire (Te NW) arrays serving as a solid triboelectric material as well as the sensing probe underwent periodic contact and separation with the Hg2+ solution, leading to the in situ formation of mercury telluride nanowire (HgTe NWs) owing to the selective binding affinity of Te NWs toward Hg2+ ions. To realize the on-site sensing potential, Te NW arrays were mounted onto the robotic hands equipped with additional wireless transmission functionality for rapid detection of Hg2+ ions in resource-limited settings by employing a simple "touch and sense" mechanism. Such a demonstration of direct integration of self-powered sensors with robotics would lead to the development of low-cost, automated chemical sensing machinery for the on-field detection of harmful analytes.

Characterization of Shock-Sensitive Deposits from the Hydrolysis of Hexachlorodisilane.

In this work, the shock sensitivity of hexachlorodisilane (HCDS) hydrolysis products was studied. The hydrolysis conditions included vapor and liquid HCDS hydrolysis in moist air. Shock sensitivity was determined by using a Fall hammer apparatus. Extensive infrared studies were done for the hydrolysis products. It was found that the Si-Si bond in HCDS during hydrolysis is preserved and can be cleaved by shock, leading to intramolecular oxidation of the neighboring silanol (Si-OH) groups to form a networked Si-O-Si structure and hydrogen gas. The limiting impact energy for shock sensitivity was also found proportional to the oxygen/silicon ratio in the deposit. Finally, recommendations are given for controlling the shock sensitivity of the hydrolyzed deposit.