Abstract
In this work, powders of NiSb2O6 were synthesized using a simple and economical microwave-assisted wet chemistry method, and calcined at 700, 800, and 900 °C. It was identified through X-ray diffraction that the oxide is a nanomaterial with a trirutile-type structure and space group P42/mnm (136). UV–Vis spectroscopy measurements showed that the bandgap values were at ~3.10, ~3.14, and ~3.23 eV at 700, 800, and 900 °C, respectively. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), irregularly shaped polyhedral microstructures with a size of ~154.78 nm were observed on the entire material’s surface. The particle size was estimated to average ~92.30 nm at the calcination temperature of 900 °C. Sensing tests in static atmospheres containing 300 ppm of CO at 300 °C showed a maximum sensitivity of ~72.67. On the other hand, in dynamic atmospheres at different CO flows and at an operating temperature of 200 °C, changes with time in electrical resistance were recorded, showing a high response, stability, and repeatability, and good sensor efficiency during several operation cycles. The response times were ~2.77 and ~2.10 min to 150 and 200 cm3/min of CO, respectively. Dynamic tests in propane (C3H8) atmospheres revealed that the material improved its response in alternating current signals at two different frequencies (0.1 and 1 kHz). It was also observed that at 360 °C, the ability to detect propane flows increased considerably. As in the case of CO, NiSb2O6’s response in propane atmospheres showed very good thermal stability, efficiency, a high capacity to detect C3H8, and short response and recovery times at both frequencies. Considering the great performance in propane flows, a sensor prototype was developed that modulates the electrical signals at 360 °C, verifying the excellent functionality of NiSb2O6.
Highlights
In recent years, atmospheric pollution due to CO, CO2, NO2, SO2, and H2 S has caused a decrease in air quality [1,2]
To determine if a material can be used as a gas detector, it must detect low gas concentrations, detect a specific gas, obtain a signal in the presence of the test gas in a relatively short time, and return to its initial state when finishing the detection process [9,10]. It has been reported in the literature that the most effective materials that can be applied as gas detectors are semiconductor metal oxides because they possess great advantages, such as thermal stability and high sensitivity [9,11]
Based on the ability of the studied oxide to detect high and low concentrations of both toxic gases, an electronic circuit was successfully designed for a high-efficiency and fast response gas sensor in such atmospheres
Summary
Atmospheric pollution due to CO, CO2 , NO2 , SO2 , and H2 S has caused a decrease in air quality [1,2]. To determine if a material can be used as a gas detector, it must detect low gas concentrations, detect a specific gas (selectivity), obtain a signal in the presence of the test gas in a relatively short time, and return to its initial state when finishing the detection process [9,10] It has been reported in the literature that the most effective materials that can be applied as gas detectors are semiconductor metal oxides because they possess great advantages, such as thermal stability and high sensitivity [9,11]. As for the nickel antimoniate, NiSb2 O6 , this is a trirutile-type oxide that conforms to the formula of the antimonates ASb2 O6 (where A is replaced, in this case, by the Ni cation) [16] This family of compounds has interesting optical, catalytic, and electrical properties that allow them to be applied, for example, in lithium-ion batteries and in many other fields [16,17]. Based on the ability of the studied oxide to detect high and low concentrations of both toxic gases, an electronic circuit was successfully designed for a high-efficiency and fast response gas sensor in such atmospheres
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