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A New Hybrid Sensitive PANI/SWCNT/Ferrocene-Based Layer for a Wearable CO Sensor
Mihaela Savin1,2, Carmen-Marinela Mihailescu1, Viorel Avramescu1
1National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street 126A, 077190 Bucharest, Romania.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 3, 2021
Summary
A new electroactive sensing layer using polyaniline, carbon nanotubes, and ferrocene was developed for wearable sensors. This material effectively detects carbon monoxide (CO) with minimal humidity interference, showing promise for environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Wearable sensors require sensing layers with high electroactive properties for optimal functionality.
- Polymeric nanocomposites offer tunable conductive properties for direct current (DC) measurements.
- Electropolymerization is a viable method for creating functional sensing layers on electrodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel sensing layer for wearable sensors.
- To investigate the material's performance in detecting carbon monoxide (CO).
- To assess and minimize interference from relative humidity.
Main Methods:
- Electrosynthesis of a polyaniline:poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PANI:PSS)/single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)/ferrocene (Fc) nanocomposite on gold interdigitated electrodes (IDEs).
- Characterization using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
- Evaluation of CO sensing capabilities and humidity interference in the range of 10-300 ppm CO.
Main Results:
- The electrosynthesized PANI:PSS/SWCNT/Fc layer demonstrated effective CO detection.
- Minimal relative humidity interference (1%) was observed, controllable via CV cycles and Fc concentration.
- Sensor sensitivity increased with CO concentration, indicating good performance.
- Optimization of deposition cycles and Fc concentration can further improve CO detection.
Conclusions:
- The developed PANI:PSS/SWCNT/Fc material shows significant potential for selective CO detection in wearable sensors.
- The material's properties can be tuned for real-world environmental monitoring applications.
- Ferrocene plays a crucial role in reducing humidity interference, enhancing sensor reliability.
