Filipescu M, Dobrescu S, Bercea AI, Bonciu AF, Marascu V, Brajnicov S, Palla-Papavlu A. Polypyrrole-Tungsten Oxide Nanocomposite Fabrication through Laser-Based Techniques for an Ammonia Sensor: Achieving Room Temperature Operation.
Polymers (Basel) 2023;
16:79. [PMID:
38201744 PMCID:
PMC10780584 DOI:
10.3390/polym16010079]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A highly sensitive ammonia-gas sensor based on a tungsten trioxide and polypyrrole (WO3/PPy) nanocomposite synthesized using pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) and matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporation (MAPLE) is presented in this study. The WO3/PPy nanocomposite is prepared through a layer-by-layer alternate deposition of the PPy thin layer on the WO3 mesoporous layer. Extensive characterization using X-ray diffraction, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle are carried out on the as-prepared layers. The gas-sensing properties of the WO3/PPy nanocomposite layers are systematically investigated upon exposure to ammonia gas. The results demonstrate that the WO3/PPy nanocomposite sensor exhibits a lower detection limit, higher response, faster response/recovery time, and exceptional repeatability compared to the pure PPy and WO3 counterparts. The significant improvement in gas-sensing properties observed in the WO3/PPy nanocomposite layer can be attributed to the distinctive interactions occurring at the p-n heterojunction established between the n-type WO3 and p-type PPy. Additionally, the enhanced surface area of the WO3/PPy nanocomposite, achieved through the PLD and MAPLE synthesis techniques, contributes to its exceptional gas-sensing performance.
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