Investigation on novel poly (3-hexylthiophene)-ZnO nanocomposite thin films gas sensor

Year: 2006

Authors: Baratto C., Faglia G., Ferroni M., Sberveglieri G., Atashbar M.Z., Hrehorova E.

Autors Affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Physics, C.N.R – INFM, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western Michigan University, United States

Abstract: In this paper, investigation on novel hybrid Poly (3-hexylthiophene)-ZnO nanocomposite thin films and their gas sensing electrical characterization is reported. Nanocomposite films were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and their sensing properties were characterized by volt-amperometric technique. All films contain typical peaks of pure P3HT however, several differences in the absorption bands of nanocomposites were observed at 820cm-1, 796 cm-1, 748 cm-1 confirming the presence of the ZnO incorporated therein. The morphology, analyzed by SEM showed uniform thin films. Nanocomposite solutions were deposited on the alumina substrate prepatterned with Pt contacts and heater to form sensor. Sensors sensitivity were tested toward NO2 (100ppb-5 ppm), NH3 (25ppm) and CO (500 ppm) and ethanol (500 ppm) diluted in humid air (50% RH). Sensors showed a high relative response of 2.2 to 200 ppb of NO2 while virtually no response to CO, and ethanol was recorded. Very small response also to NH3 was recorded thus indicating a good selectivity to NO2 for the sensor developed. ©2006 IEEE.

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KeyWords: Absorption; Carrier mobility; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Fourier transforms; Gas absorption; Gas detectors; Infrared spectroscopy; Nanocomposites; Semiconducting zinc compounds; Sensors; Thick films; Thin films; Zinc alloys; Zinc oxide, Absorption bands; Amperometric; Electrical characterizations; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; Gas sensing; Gas sensors; Nano-composite films; Nanocomposite thin films; Poly-3-hexylthiophene; Sensing properties, Nanostructured materials
DOI: 10.1109/ICSENS.2007.355503