Enhanced hydrogen gas sensing performance with Ag-doped WO3 thin film

Abstract

The paper reports the fabrication of a device, based on the thin film of Ag-doped WO3 nanoparticles, to enhance the hydrogen gas sensing performance. The synthesis of thin films of pristine and Ag-doped WO3 nanoparticles were carried out using the single-step hydrothermal method, followed by the spin coating deposition process. The characterization of the samples was carried out with XRD, FESEM, TEM, FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopy. The consistent pattern observed from the microstructure analysis of data from XRD, UV–vis spectrometer and FTIR validates effective incorporation of Ag into the WO₃ structure. The XRD patterns confirmed the formation of the monoclinic phase of WO3 nanoparticles. The crystallite size and the value of band gap decreased on increasing the Ag doping percentage in WO3. This reduction with Ag-doping could be attributed to the proper substitution of the W with Ag due to their similar sizes. The gas sensing performances of the fabricated sensing devices were analyzed by exposing different concentrations of hydrogen gas ranging from 12.5 ppm to 75 ppm. The device based on the thin film of Ag-doped WO3 performed much better than the device based on the thin film of pristine WO3 nanoparticles. The device with 4% Ag-doped WO3 showed the best sensor response of 98 % for 75 ppm H2 gas concentration with response and recovery time of 76 and 100 s, respectively at 100 °C. The improved response of the device with Ag doping compared to the pristine device could be attributed to the better charge transfer, more defect creation, and the ability of Ag to work as a catalyst to make reaction kinetics faster. The selectivity of the device was tested using the oxidizing and reducing gasses of NO2, H2, and NH3 at 100 °C for 75 ppm gas concentration. The recorded response of the device for NO2, H2, NH3 were 38%, 98%, and 43%, respectively.