Effect of nanoparticle-embedded 1 dimensional-nanostructures to fabricate highly sensitive and selective hydrogen gas sensors

Abstract

Owing to the increasing development of in hydrogen economy in modern society, hydrogen gas detection technologies have become important for preventing accidents caused by hydrogen gas buildup, such as explosions and fire outbreaks. Herein, In2O3 nanoparticle (NP)-embedded TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) are synthesized by an electrospinning process, wherein hydrothermally synthesized In2O3 NPs are added to fabricate highly sensitive and selective hydrogen gas detectors. Several TiO2 NF samples corresponding to different amounts of In2O3 NPs were synthesized, and their sensing properties were measured to determine the gas sensor composition with an optimal response to hydrogen. According to the results, the optimum sensor consisted of 0.6 wt% of In2O3 NPs embedded in TiO2 NFs and exhibited a sensing response to 1000 ppm of hydrogen gas 50 times higher than that of a pure TiO2 NF sensor. Furthermore, its hydrogen selectivity was improved, and the responses to several gases measured herein were almost negligible, except for hydrogen gas. Here, the hydrogen sensing properties of In2O3 NP-embedded TiO2 NFs are demonstrated, and their mechanism of operation and optimal constitution determined.