Design and implementation of PLA/GO/metal oxide composites for CO₂ sensing application

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with potential for sensor applications.
• Developing efficient and sustainable carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensors is crucial for environmental monitoring.
• Graphene oxide (GO) and metal oxides (ZnO, CuO) can enhance material properties for sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the modification of PLA by incorporating GO and metal oxides (ZnO, CuO) for CO₂ sensing.
• To understand the interaction mechanisms between the composite materials and CO₂ gas using theoretical and experimental methods.
• To evaluate the CO₂ sensing performance of the developed composites.

Main Methods:

• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations for electronic and molecular properties (TDM, ΔE, MESP, DOS).
• Experimental characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and optical confocal microscopy.
• CO₂ sensing performance evaluation through experimental tests.

Main Results:

• DFT calculations provided insights into composite-CO₂ interactions.
• Experimental validation confirmed material composition and bonding.
• Presence of SiO₂ impurities in PLA was identified, potentially influencing sensing.
• The developed PLA/GO/metal oxide composites exhibited effective CO₂ sensing capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The combined theoretical and experimental approach validates the potential of PLA/GO/metal oxide composites for CO₂ sensing.
• These materials offer a sustainable solution for air quality monitoring and greenhouse gas regulation.
• Further research may focus on optimizing composite formulations to mitigate the effects of impurities on sensing performance.