Green sonochemical synthesis of tin (IV) oxide modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes for enhanced nitrogen dioxide sensing
摘要
Tin Oxide (SnO2) decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were effectively synthesized via a facile and environmentally friendly ultrasonic synthesis method; their selective nitrogen (NO2) gas sensing properties were then investigated. X-ray diffraction identified the crystal structure as tetragonal rutile for SnO2 nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images demonstrated the adornment of the SnO2 nanoparticles on the surfaces of the MWCNTs. Surface SnO2 nanoparticles measuring between 3 and 6 nm nanometers were detected on the MWCNTs. The number of SnO2 nanoparticles adorned onto the MWCNTs has decreased as the concentration of MWCNTs has increased. Additionally, the photoluminescence and optical absorbance spectra of the nanocomposites provided confirmation that charge migrations were taking place at the interface between the MWCNT and SnO2. The NO2 gas sensing performance of the green ultrasonically synthesized SnO2 nanoparticle-adorned on MWCNT (SnO2/MWCNT) nanocomposite had shown higher responsivity to that of the pristine SnO2 nanoparticles. The efficacy of the gas sensor demonstrated selectivity for NO2 gas and shown the better sensitivity values at 200 °C onwards. The SnO2/MWCNT nanocomposite exhibited favorable sensing characteristics, including high NO2 detection capability (81% at 400 °C), rapid reaction time of 17 s, and brief recuperation time of 20 s.