Alcohol Sensing Behavior and Impedance Spectroscopy Characterization of g-C₃N₄ Nanosheets

Two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride 2D g-C₃N₄ has the potential for gas sensing as a metal-free semiconductor with a layered structure, high surface area, and tunability of electronic properties. In this context, 2D g-C₃N₄ nanosheets were prepared by the thermal polycondensation of urea followed by ultrasonic exfoliation. X-ray diffraction revealed diffraction peaks corresponding to the (110) and (002) crystallographic planes of g-C₃N₄. Scanning electron microscopy showed a nanosheet structure with a 10-nm crystallite size, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy demonstrated a uniform distribution of carbon and nitrogen. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy revealed a band gap of 2.8 eV. Gas sensing measurements exhibited an increase in response to isopropanol and ethanol as the operating temperature and gas concentration increased. Impedance spectroscopy provided additional insight into the sensing mechanism. Observed depressed semicircles in Nyquist plots were fitted with a charge transfer resistance R_ct in parallel with a constant phase element model. The charge transfer resistance R_ct fell systematically with isopropanol exposure, confirming the crucial role of adsorption-induced electron transfer in the gas sensing response.