Cobalt- and Copper-Based Chemiresistors for Low Concentration Methane Detection, a Comparison Study

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Methane is a significant greenhouse gas and explosion hazard.
• Accurate methane detection requires specialized sensing devices.
• Existing sensors may have limitations in cost, efficiency, or operating conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel metal oxide semiconductor (MOX) chemiresistors for methane detection.
• To utilize an eco-friendly and low-cost sol-gel deposition technique for sensor fabrication.
• To evaluate sensor performance including sensitivity, selectivity, stability, response time, and recovery.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MOX sensors with CoO and CuO sensitive films using sol-gel.
• Characterization of thin films using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Testing sensor response to methane (5-2000 ppm) under controlled lab conditions with DC applied voltage.

Main Results:

• Sensors demonstrated good sensitivity, partial selectivity, and stability.
• Achieved short response times and complete sensor recovery.
• Operated effectively at a low working temperature of 220 °C.

Conclusions:

• The developed MOX chemiresistors exhibit promising performance for methane detection.
• The eco-friendly fabrication method and favorable operating parameters support commercialization potential.
• These sensors offer a viable alternative for effective methane monitoring.