1
|
Spagnoli E, Valt M, Gaiardo A, Fabbri B, Guidi V. Insights into the Sensing Mechanism of a Metal-Oxide Solid Solution via Operando Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2708. [PMID: 37836348 PMCID: PMC10574316 DOI: 10.3390/nano13192708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the influence of Nb addition in the oxide solid solution of Sn and Ti was investigated with regard to the morphological, structural and electrical properties for the production of chemoresistive gas sensors. (Sn,Ti,Nb)xO2-based sensors showed promising features for ethanol monitoring in commercial or industrial settings characterized by frequent variation in relative humidity. Indeed, the three-metal solid solution highlighted a higher response level vs. ethanol than the most widely used SnO2 and a remarkably low effect of relative humidity on the film resistance. Nevertheless, lack of knowledge still persists on the mechanisms of gas reaction occurring at the surface of these nanostructures. In this work, operando Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopy was used on SnO2- and on (Sn,Ti,Nb)xO2-based sensors to combine the investigations on the transduction function, i.e., the read-out of the device activity, with the investigations on the receptor function, i.e., compositional characterization of the active sensing element in real time and under operating conditions. The sensors performance was explained by probing the interaction of H2O and ethanol molecules with the material surface sites. This information is fundamental for fine-tuning of material characteristics for any specific gas sensing applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Spagnoli
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1/C, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Matteo Valt
- MNF-Micro Nano Facility, Sensors and Devices Center, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Trento, Italy; (M.V.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Gaiardo
- MNF-Micro Nano Facility, Sensors and Devices Center, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Trento, Italy; (M.V.); (A.G.)
| | - Barbara Fabbri
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1/C, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Guidi
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1/C, 44122 Ferrara, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rossi A, Spagnoli E, Tralli F, Marzocchi M, Guidi V, Fabbri B. New Approach for the Detection of Sub-ppm Limonene: An Investigation through Chemoresistive Metal-Oxide Semiconductors. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6291. [PMID: 37514586 PMCID: PMC10383529 DOI: 10.3390/s23146291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
R-(+)-limonene, one of the major constituents of citrus oils, is a monoterpene that is widely used as a fragrance additive in cosmetics, foods, and industrial solvents. Nowadays, its detection mainly relies on bulky and expensive analytical methods and only a few research works proved its revelation through affordable and portable sensors, such as electrochemical and quartz crystal microbalance sensors. In response to the demand for effective miniaturized sensing devices to be integrated into Internet of Things systems, this study represents a pioneering investigation of chemoresistive gas sensor capabilities addressed to R-(+)-limonene detection. An array of seven metal-oxide sensors was exploited to perform a complete electrical characterization of the target analyte. The experimental evidence allowed us to identify the WO3-based sensor as the most promising candidate for R-(+)-limonene detection. The material was highly sensitive already at sub-ppm concentrations (response of 2.5 at 100 ppb), consistent with applicative parameters, and it resulted in selective vs. different gases at a lower operating temperature (200 °C) than the other sensors tested. Furthermore, it exhibited a humidity-independent behavior under real-life conditions (relative humidity > 20%). Finally, the WO3 sensor also demonstrated a remarkable cross-selectivity, thus enabling its exploitation in cutting-edge applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Rossi
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1/C, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Spagnoli
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1/C, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Tralli
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1/C, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Marzocchi
- Sacmi Imola S.C., Olfactory Systems, Via Selice Prov.le, 17/a, 40026 Imola, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Guidi
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1/C, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Barbara Fabbri
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1/C, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
|
4
|
Li Y, Zhou Q, Ding S, Wu Z. Research Progress of Gas Sensing Performance of 2D Hexagonal WO 3. Front Chem 2021; 9:786607. [PMID: 34938719 PMCID: PMC8685199 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.786607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal oxide semiconductor gas sensing materials have attracted great research interest in the gas sensor field due to their outstanding physical and chemical properties, low cost, and easy preparation. Among them, two-dimensional hexagonal tungsten trioxide (2D h-WO3) is especially interesting because of its high sensitivity and selectivity to some gases. We firstly introduce the characteristics of 2D h-WO3 gas sensing materials and discuss the effects of microstructure, oxygen vacancy, and doping modification on the gas sensing properties of 2D h-WO3 mainly. Finally, we explore the application of 2D h-WO3 gas sensing materials and propose some research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueqi Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Photoelectric Functional Materials, College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Photoelectric Functional Materials, College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shoubing Ding
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Photoelectric Functional Materials, College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhimin Wu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Photoelectric Functional Materials, College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu T, Zhang X, Huang T, Yu A. Pyridinic-N-dominated carbon frameworks with porous tungsten trioxide nano-lamellae as a promising bi-functional catalyst for Li-oxygen batteries. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:15763-15770. [PMID: 30094424 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr04026e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The rational design and synthetic route to fabricate hybrid materials with desirable electrocatalytic functionalities remain critical but still challenging for sustainable energy devices. Here, we constructed a tungsten trioxide nano-lamellae chemically anchored with pyridinic-N-dominated doped CNT/graphene frameworks (W-NCG) via a general solution-based synthesis method. The detailed results indicated that this hybrid structure is composed of vacancy-defect abundant WO3 porous nanoflakes anchoring through or onto a 3D N-doped carbon matrix. After a facile post-annealing treatment, the W-NCG sample is utilized as a bi-functional catalyst for rechargeable lithium-oxygen batteries. The optimized sample with a large BET surface exhibits unprecedented ORR/OER activity in the cell, and satisfying specific capacity (∼7850 mA h g-1) and cycling stability. This excellent electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the pseudo 3D structure with sufficient microspace and good electrical conductivity, which facilitate the high dispersion of active components and effectivly relieve the formation of large/irreversible Li2O2. As such, this porous W-NCG framework is a prospective high-performance cathode material for Li-O2 batteries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tie Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Institute of New Energy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
New insights towards strikingly improved room temperature ethanol sensing properties of p-type Ce-doped SnO 2 sensors. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8079. [PMID: 29799018 PMCID: PMC5967327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26504-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, room temperature ethanol sensing behavior of p-type Ce doped SnO2 nanostructures are investigated successfully. Interestingly, it is examined that the abnormal n to p-type transition behavior is caused by Ce doping in SnO2 lattice. In p-type Ce doped SnO2, Ce ion substituting the Sn is in favor of generating excess holes as oxygen vacancies, which is associated with the improved sensing performance. Although, p-type SnO2 is one of the important materials for practical applications, it is less studied as compared to n-type SnO2. Pure and Ce doped SnO2 nanostructures were successfully synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. The structure, surface morphology, unpaired electrons (such as free radicals), and chemical composition of obtained nanoparticles were studied by various kinds of characterization techniques. The 9% Ce doped SnO2 sensors exhibit maximum sensor response of ~382 for 400 ppm of ethanol exposure with fast response time of ~5 to 25 sec respectively. Moreover, it is quite interesting that such enhancement of ethanol sensing is unveiled at room temperature, which plays a key role in the quest for better ethanol sensors. These remarkably improved sensing results are attributed to uniformly distributed nanoparticles, lattice strain, complex defect chemistry and presence of large number of unpaired electrons on the surface.
Collapse
|
7
|
Chmela O, Sadílek J, Domènech-Gil G, Samà J, Somer J, Mohan R, Romano-Rodriguez A, Hubálek J, Vallejos S. Selectively arranged single-wire based nanosensor array systems for gas monitoring. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:9087-9096. [PMID: 29718039 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr01588k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Gas nanosensors, comprised of arrays of nanoelectrodes with finger-widths of ∼100 nm developed by electron beam lithography and aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposited non-functionalized and Pt-functionalized tungsten oxide nanowires (<100 nm) subsequently integrated across the pairs of electrodes via the dielectrophoresis method, are developed in this work. The functionality of these devices is validated towards various concentrations of NO2 and C2H5OH. The results demonstrate reproducible and consistent responses with better sensitivity and partial selectivity for the non-functionalized systems to NO2, as opposed to the Pt-functionalized systems, which display better sensing properties towards C2H5OH with a loss of response to NO2. These results are explained on the basis of the additional chemical and electronic interactions at the Pt/tungsten oxide interface, which increase the pre-adsorption of oxygen species and make the functionalized surface rather more sensitive to C2H5OH than to NO2, in contrast to the non-functionalized surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Chmela
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alali KT, Lu Z, Zhang H, Liu J, Liu Q, Li R, Aljebawi K, Wang J. P–p heterojunction CuO/CuCo2O4 nanotubes synthesized via electrospinning technology for detecting n-propanol gas at room temperature. Inorg Chem Front 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7qi00192d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Composite CuO/CuCo2O4 nanotubes were synthesized by electrospinning technology. The large specific surface area, complex tubular structure, and p–p heterojunction are the potential reasons for the excellent room temperature gas sensing performance toward n-propanol vapor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Tawfik Alali
- Key Laboratory of Superlight Material and Surface Technology
- Ministry of Education
- Harbin Engineering University
- Harbin 150001
- P R China
| | - Zetong Lu
- Heilongjiang University of science and technology
- Harbin 150022
- PR China
| | - Hongsen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Superlight Material and Surface Technology
- Ministry of Education
- Harbin Engineering University
- Harbin 150001
- P R China
| | - Jingyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Superlight Material and Surface Technology
- Ministry of Education
- Harbin Engineering University
- Harbin 150001
- P R China
| | - Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Superlight Material and Surface Technology
- Ministry of Education
- Harbin Engineering University
- Harbin 150001
- P R China
| | - Rumin Li
- Key Laboratory of Superlight Material and Surface Technology
- Ministry of Education
- Harbin Engineering University
- Harbin 150001
- P R China
| | - Kassem Aljebawi
- Department of Materials Engineering Science
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
- University of Aleppo
- Aleppo City
- Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Superlight Material and Surface Technology
- Ministry of Education
- Harbin Engineering University
- Harbin 150001
- P R China
| |
Collapse
|