High Response CO Sensor Based on a Polyaniline/SnO₂ Nanocomposite.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas requiring sensitive detection methods.
• Developing efficient gas sensors for low-temperature operation remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a polyaniline (PANI)/tin oxide (SnO₂) composite for CO sensing.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance at low operating temperatures.

Main Methods:

• Tin oxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method.
• A composite film of SnO₂ nanoparticles and PANI was fabricated.
• Sensor response to CO concentration was measured at temperatures below 75 °C.

Main Results:

• The SnO₂ nanoparticles offered a high surface area, improving CO detection.
• The PANI component facilitated redox reactions, creating a significant resistance change.
• The composite demonstrated excellent sensor response at low operating temperatures (<75 °C).

Conclusions:

• Combining n-type SnO₂ nanoparticles with conductive PANI is effective for high-performance CO gas sensors.
• The PANI/SnO₂ composite shows promise for sensitive CO detection at low temperatures.