ZnO Hexagonal Nano- and Microplates Modified with Nanomaterials as a Gas-Sensitive Material for DMS...

Area of Science:

• Chemical Sensors
• Materials Science
• Environmental Monitoring

Background:

• Dimethyl sulphide (DMS) detection is crucial for environmental, industrial, and medical applications.
• Existing resistive gas sensors face challenges with humidity interference and insufficient lower detection limits (LOD) for DMS.
• Improving DMS sensor performance, particularly sensitivity and LOD, remains an active research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive DMS sensor with a lower LOD by modifying ZnO-based sensor layers.
• To address the limitations of current DMS sensors, especially their performance under high humidity.
• To enhance DMS detection capabilities for applications like medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Modification of the ZnO-based sensor layer composition.
• Doping ZnO nano- and microplates with gold nanoparticles (0.75 wt.%).
• Integration of a sepiolite-based passive filter to manage humidity.

Main Results:

• The modified sensor demonstrated high sensitivity to 1 ppm DMS (Sensitivity S = 11.4).
• Achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 406 ppb for DMS.
• The sensor maintained performance despite high water vapour content (90% Relative Humidity).

Conclusions:

• The modified ZnO sensor with gold nanoparticles and a sepiolite filter significantly enhances DMS detection.
• This advancement offers a more reliable method for DMS monitoring in challenging, humid environments.
• The developed sensor shows promise for improved environmental protection, industrial safety, and medical diagnostics.