Enhanced and selective acetone sensing properties of SnO2-MWCNT nanocomposites: Promising materials for diabetes sensor. (5th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Narjinary, M.; Rana, P.; Sen, A.; Pal, M.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 115(2017)
• Page Start: 158
• Page End: 164
• Publication Date: 2017-02-05
• Subjects: SnO2–MWCNT -- Nanocomposites -- Acetone sensor -- Diabetes; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2016.11.042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Achieving good sensitivity toward low ppm acetone with pronounced resolution is a challenging, yet very much required task for the development of breath analyzer to monitor diabetes in a non-invasive way. We were able to achieve high sensitivity, stability, ultrafast response toward sub-ppm acetone with a good resolution just by using MWCNTs as a substrate for nanocrystalline SnO2 prepared through a facile sol-gel technique. The composites were well characterized using XRD and TEM/HRTEM which revealed not only the structure and purity of the samples but also indicates the successful integration of MWCNT with SnO2 nanoparticles. The composite sensor showed much better performance at the lower temperature than pure SnO2 . Enhancement of adsorption ability of SnO2 due to the addition of MWCNTs, and the difference between their work function, could be collectively responsible for the improvement of sensing activity. Besides, these nanocomposite sensors also showed much-reduced cross-sensitivity toward moisture, which is a major component of human exhale breath. This will be an extra-advantage of MWCNT incorporation for developing breath analyzer to monitor diabetes using SnO2 nanocomposites based sensor. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Facile synthesis of SnO2 -MWCNT nanocomposites using sol-gel route. Response of sensor increase from 50% to 80% due to loading of MWCNT. SnO2 -MWCNT nanocomposites based sensor delineates ultrafast response and recovery. Sensors are very selective toward acetone and insensitive to saturated moisture. Sensors remain stable for more than one year.