Delineating the sensing analysis of discarded pencil graphite in biofuel ethanol – Experimental and theoretical validation

Abstract

This study investigated the ethanol-sensing properties of pencil graphite using a fiber optic gas sensor. The results were further confirmed using density functional theory (DFT). The sensor showed good sensitivity (18 counts/100 ppm) and response time (70 sec). The electronic analysis of pure and ethanol-adsorbed graphite powders was also conducted using their band structures, Density of States (DOS), and projected Density of States (PDOS). For ethanol-adsorbed graphite, it was shown that there were significant alterations in band structure and density of states, providing insights for gas sensing applications.