TiO2-decorated graphite nanoplatelet nanocomposites for high-temperature sensor applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Accurate temperature and composition mapping in high-temperature devices is crucial for material design and performance optimization.
• Titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2 NP)-decorated graphite nanoplatelet (GNP) nanocomposites offer potential for high-temperature sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of GNP substrates on TiO2 NPs' properties at high temperatures.
• To explore the application of TiO2-GNP nanocomposites as high-temperature thermal and gas sensors.

Main Methods:

• Systematic study of TiO2 NP-GNP nanocomposites using Raman spectroscopy to analyze phonon confinement, grain growth, and phase stability.
• Exploitation of thermally sensitive Raman signatures for high-temperature thermal sensing.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated ultrafast grain growth of TiO2 NPs under short thermal shock (0.1-25 s) at high temperatures.
• Achieved high accuracy (nearly 98%) in temperature measurements using thermally sensitive Raman signatures.
• Enhanced thermal stability of anatase TiO2 NPs against phase transformation by controlling substrate surface area.

Conclusions:

• TiO2 NP-GNP nanocomposites are effective for high-temperature thermal sensing with high accuracy.
• Improved phase stability of TiO2 NPs in nanocomposites enhances performance of high-temperature gas sensors.