Preparation of conducting films based on α-MoO3/PANI hybrids and their sensing properties to triethylamine at room temperature

Abstract

A smart sensor based on α-MoO3/PANI hybrids was fabricated by loading α-MoO3 nanorods on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thin film as a building framework and then the PANI was covered on the framework via in-situ chemical oxidation polymerization. The morphology and structure of the hybrids have been characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and XPS etc. The sensor shows high sensitivity and good selectivity to triethylamine (TEA), and exhibits linear response to TEA concentration from 10 to 100ppm at room temperature. The sensing mechanism of α-MoO3 enhancing PANI response to TEA has also been discussed in detail, which is attributed to the well-defined morphology and formation of p-n heterojunctions at interface of hybrid. The study will open a new window for development of a high sensitive and portable sensor to online detect VOCs at room temperature.