Quantum-level investigation of air decomposed pollutants gas sensor (Pd-modified g-C3N4) influenced by micro-water content.

Abstract

In the electrical industry, there are many hazardous gases that pollute the environment and even jeopardize human health, so timely detection and effective control of these hazardous gases is of great significance. In this work, the gas-sensitive properties of Pd-modified g-C3N4 interface for each hazardous gas molecule were investigated from a microscopic viewpoint, taking the hazardous gases (CO, NOx) that may be generated in the power industry as the detection target. Then, the performance of Pd-modifiedg-C3N4 was evaluated for practical applications as a gas sensor material. Novelly, an unconventional means was designed to briefly predict the effect of humidity on the adsorption properties of this sensor material. The final results found that Pd-modified g-C3N4 is most suitable as a potential gas-sensitizing material for NO2 gas sensors, followed by CO. Interestingly, Pd-modified g-C3N4 is less suitable as a potential gas-sensitizing material for NO gas sensors, but has the potential to be used as a NO cleaner (adsorbent). Unconventional simulation explorations of humidity effects show that in practical applications Pd-modified g-C3N4 remains a promising material for gas sensing in specific humidity environments. This work reveals the origin of the excellent properties of Pd-modified g-C3N4 as a gas sensor material and provides new ideas for the detection and treatment of these three hazardous gases.