Ni-CNT Chemical Sensor for SF₆ Decomposition Components Detection: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

SF₆ decomposition components detection is a key technology to evaluate and diagnose the insulation status of SF₆-insulated equipment online, especially when insulation defects-induced discharge occurs in equipment. In order to detect the type and concentration of SF₆ decomposition components, a Ni-modified carbon nanotube (Ni-CNT) gas sensor has been prepared to analyze its gas sensitivity and selectivity to SF₆ decomposition components based on an experimental and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical study. Experimental results show that a Ni-CNT gas sensor presents an outstanding gas sensing property according to the significant change of conductivity during the gas molecule adsorption. The conductivity increases in the following order: H₂S > SOF₂ > SO₂ > SO₂F₂. The limit of detection of the Ni-CNT gas sensor reaches 1 ppm. In addition, the excellent recovery property of the Ni-CNT gas sensor makes it easy to be widely used. A DFT theoretical study was applied to analyze the influence mechanism of Ni modification on SF₆ decomposition components detection. In summary, the Ni-CNT gas sensor prepared in this study can be an effective way to evaluate and diagnose the insulation status of SF₆-insulated equipment online.