Impact of reduced graphene oxide on the ethanol sensing performance of hollow SnO2 nanoparticles under humid atmosphere

Author(s)

Zito, Cecilia A. ; Perfecto, Tarcisio M. ; Volanti, Diogo P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL; v. 244, p. 466-474, JUN 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 48

Abstract

The interference of humidity is a key factor to be considered in metal oxide semiconductors gas sensing performance. However, an efficient gas detection under humid conditions is a challenge. Herein, we report the effect of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensing performance of hollow SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) under wet atmosphere. For this purpose, RGO-SnO2 nanocomposite was obtained by a one-pot microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis. The sensing tests for VOCs were conducted under dry air and at a relative humidity (RH) between 24 and 98%. The samples exhibited better response toward ethanol than to other VOCs such as acetone, benzene, methanol, m-xylene, and toluene, at the optimum operating temperature of 300 degrees C. Furthermore, RGO-SnO2 nanocomposite showed an enhanced ethanol response in comparison with pure hollow SnO2 NPs. Even under 98% of RH, the RGO-SnO2 nanocomposite showed a response of 43.0 toward 100 ppm of ethanol with a response time of 8 s. The excellent sensor performance is related to the hollow structure of SnO2 NPs, and the heterojunction between RGO and SnO2. Therefore, the RGO content can be a promising approach to minimize the humidity effect on SnO2 ethanol sensing performance. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/04371-1 - Sensors based on reduced graphene oxide-WO3 and Ag-WO3 obtained by microwave-assisted ultrasonic spray and deposited on paper for detection of volatile organic compounds
• Grantee: Tarcísio Micheli Perfecto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 13/23886-4 - Study on selectivity of hydrogenolysis / reductive hydrogenation processes of sugarcane bagasse under supercritical state catalyzed by structured metal oxides
• Grantee: Mauricio Boscolo
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/17343-0 - Effect of metal catalysts or reduced graphene oxide on metal oxides semiconductors for detection of volatile organic compounds
• Grantee: Diogo Paschoalini Volanti
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/05916-9 - Synergy between Pd-SnO2 or reduced graphene oxide-SnO2 for volatile organic compounds detection in humidity
• Grantee: Cecilia de Almeida Zito
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master