TiO₂ nanoparticles functionalized by Pd nanoparticles for gas-sensing application with enhanced butane response...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely studied semiconductor material for gas sensing applications.
• Functionalization of TiO2 nanoparticles can significantly enhance their gas-sensing properties.
• Palladium (Pd) is known to improve the catalytic activity and surface properties of metal oxide semiconductors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize palladium (Pd) functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles.
• To investigate the gas-sensing performance of these nanoparticles towards butane.
• To explore the mechanism behind the enhanced sensing capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Facile hydrothermal synthesis for Pd functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms.
• Fabrication of indirect-heating gas sensors and evaluation of butane sensing characteristics.

Main Results:

• Pd functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with controlled morphology and surface properties.
• The sensor based on 7.5 mol% Pd functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited a high response (33.93) towards 3000 ppm butane, approximately 9 times higher than pure TiO2.
• Excellent response/recovery times (13s/8s), selectivity, repeatability, and long-term stability were achieved.

Conclusions:

• Pd functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles are promising materials for highly sensitive and selective butane gas detection.
• The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of Pd functionalization on TiO2.
• These findings highlight the potential for dynamic monitoring of butane using the developed nanomaterials.