Nanotechnology-based sensors are based on
fundamental nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires or nanoparticles.
They can be used to detect trace amounts of chemical vapors. Due to their
extremely small size, just a few gas molecules are sufficient to change the
electrical properties (e.g., resistance and capacitance) of the sensing
elements, making it possible to detect very low concentrations of specific
chemicals.