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Utilizing an in-Situ Polymerized PANI-Bi2O3 Composite as a Room-Temperature Trimethylamine Sensor
Gitanjali F Jadhav1, Pritamkumar V Shinde2, Harshada A Barve1,2
1Centre for Nanomaterials& Energy Devices, School of Physical Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, 431606, M.S., India.
Summary
A novel polyaniline-bismuth oxide composite offers highly sensitive and selective trimethylamine (TMA) gas detection at room temperature. This cost-effective material demonstrates excellent stability and rapid response, ideal for assessing food freshness by detecting microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Sensing
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Advanced materials like composites offer versatile applications in electrical, optical, and chemical sensing.
- Polyaniline (PANI) and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) are key components in developing novel sensing platforms.
- Trimethylamine (TMA) detection is crucial for monitoring food spoilage and assessing freshness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective and highly efficient polyaniline-bismuth oxide (PANI-Bi2O3) composite.
- To create a sensitive and selective gas-sensing platform for trimethylamine (TMA) detection.
- To evaluate the material's performance at room temperature and its long-term stability.
Main Methods:
- Controlled in-situ polymerization method for PANI-Bi2O3 composite synthesis.
- Gas-sensing measurements for TMA detection at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C).
- Selectivity tests against 19 volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).
- Long-term stability assessment over 90 days.
- Theoretical calculations and post-exposure spectroscopic analysis.
Main Results:
- The PANI-Bi2O3 composite exhibited a remarkable response (S = 1247%) to TMA, 2.28 times higher than pristine PANI.
- High selectivity for TMA among 19 VOCs was achieved at room temperature.
- Rapid response (5 s) and recovery (37 s) times were recorded.
- A low detection limit of 10.4 ppb for TMA was determined.
- The composite maintained its function consistently for 90 days.
- Improved selectivity was attributed to decreased resistance, enhanced interfacial coupling, and elevated adsorption energy.
Conclusions:
- The PANI-Bi2O3 composite is a highly efficient and stable material for TMA gas sensing.
- The material's performance at room temperature and selectivity make it suitable for practical applications.
- The PANI-Bi2O3 composite shows significant potential for assessing food freshness via microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) detection.
