Preparation of nanostructured organic/inorganic polymer hybrids and their humidity sensing properties

Abstract

Humidity sensitive nanostructured hybrid films were synthesized from hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and tetra ethoxy ortho silicate (TEOS) via sol–gel route by microwave assistance method. HPMC and TEOS were used as organic and inorganic precursors, respectively. FT-IR spectra of the hybrid material revealed the formation of organic–inorganic networks between HPMC and TEOS. XRD spectra and micrographs showed the formation of HPMC/TEOS amorphous nano hybrids film like structures. Surface roughness was measured using an AFM was 120 nm and measured film thicknesses were between 20 and 24 μm. Hybrid films have showed better linear sensor response, lower hysteresis (<1% RH), faster response (5 s) and recovery time (10 s), and short-term stability (30 min at least). Using Material Studio 3.2 Software, the adsorption phenomena were explained to that of humidity sensing property.