Low-Temperature Operating Black SnO₂-Based VOC Sensor Setup

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful to human beings and animals. VOCs include a carbon compound and its derivatives. VOCs irritate the eyes, ears, and throat, ahigh concentration of VOCs may cause cancer; also, it affects the central nervous system. A concentration below 0.3 mg/m³ is harmless, above which it is harmful to human beings. The present work discusses the detection of harmful VOCs using a lab-made portable device setup. Hydrothermally synthesized tin oxide (SnO₂) nanocubes are used as an active material for VOC detection. The SnO₂ pellet is prepared using a hydraulic press method and is used in the portable setup. Temperature-dependent VOC detection is carried out using a microheater. An external potential is applied to the microheater, which stimulates the active material to sense ethanol at 40 °C. SnO₂ and EA deposited on graphite interdigitated electrodes projected on cellulose are used to detect isopropanol, ethanol, and acetone at room temperature. Temperature-dependent studies on acetone are carried out. A significant change in the current levels is observed for different VOCs. A positive shift in the Dirac point is noticed upon VOC exposure. The developed portable device plays a vital role in analyzing sensors based on various active materials for VOC detection.