A Specific NH<sub>3</sub> Gas Sensor of a Thick MWCNTs-OH Network for Detection at Room Temperature

Abstract

NH3 gas sensor was fabricated based on deposited of Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs-OH) suspension on filter paper substrates using suspension filtration method. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the MWCNTs film were characterized by XRD, AFM and FTIR techniques. XRD measurement confirmed that the structure of MWCNTs is not affected by the preparation method. The AFM images reflected highly ordered network in the form of a mat. The functional groups and types of bonding have appeared in the FTIR spectra. The fingerprint (C-C stretch) of MWCNTs appears in 1365 cm-1, and the backbone of CNTs observed at 1645 cm-1. A homemade sensing device was used to evaluate the fabrication network toward NH3 gas at ppm levels as well as the response to sensitivity by changing the concentration. MWCNTs-OH network of 8mm thickness showed an increase in resistance upon exposure to the NH3 gas. The sensor exhibits a good sensitivity for low concentration of NH3 gas at room temperature. The sensitivities of the network were 2.5% at 14ppm, 5.3% at 27ppm and 17.6% at 68ppm. Further investigations showed that the network was specific sensitive to NH3 gas in the environment and not affected by the amount of ambient air.