Enhanced and selective ammonia detection using In2O3/reduced graphene oxide hybrid nanofibers

Author(s)

Andre, Rafaela S. ^[1] ; Mercante, Luiza A. ^{[1, 2]} ; Facure, Murilo H. M. ^{[1, 3]} ; Mattoso, Luiz H. C. ^{[1, 2]} ; Correa, Daniel S. ^{[1, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Embrapa Instrumentacao, Nanotechnol Natl Lab Agr LNNA, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, PPG CEM, Dept Mat Engn, Ctr Exact Sci & Technol, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, PPGQ, Dept Chem, Ctr Exact Sci & Technol, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Applied Surface Science; v. 473, p. 133-140, APR 15 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

Over the last few decades, there has been an increasing interest in ammonia gas detection for a wide range of applications, including food and environmental sectors and medical diagnostics. Herein, a useful NH(3 )gas sensor based on a hybrid nanocomposite (NFI-rGO) combining In2O3 ceramic nanofibers (NFI) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is proposed. The NFI was obtained by electrospinning technique followed by calcination treatment. The hybrid nanostructure was achieved by covering of the as-prepared NFI with rGO. The structure, surface morphology, and elementary composition of the NFI-rGO were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The ammonia sensing performance of the NFI-rGO was investigated at room temperature by exposing the sensor to a variable gas concentration in the range from 1 up to 60 ppm. The hybrid nanocomposite exhibited superior electrical sensing properties and selectivity when compared with each individual material as sensing layer, indicating the synergistic effect between NFI and rGO. The NFI-rGO nanocomposite sensor showed a fast response with sensitivity 10 times higher than the individual NFI and rGO, a low detection limit of 44 ppb and an outstanding selectivity to NH3 against other nitrogenated compounds and organic solvents. The enhanced sensing performance could be ascribed to the p-n heterojunction and the synergistic effect between the nanofibrous structure and the 2D rGO sheets, paving the way for the development of novel room temperature ammonia sensors employing hybrid nanocomposites. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/23793-4 - Development of nanostructured sensor aiming the detection of volatile compounds for food quality indicators
• Grantee: Rafaela da Silveira Andre
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/10582-8 - Production and characterization of graphene quantum dots and their application in chemical sensors
• Grantee: Murilo Henrique Moreira Facure
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/12174-4 - Development of hybrid polymer nanofibers for agricultural applications
• Grantee: Daniel Souza Corrêa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants