Methane gas sensing properties of Pd-doped SnO2/reduced graphene oxide synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nasresfahani, Sh.; Sheikhi, M.H.; Tohidi, M.; Zarifkar, A.
• Is Part Of: Materials research bulletin. Volume 89(2017)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 169
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Pd-doped SnO2/rGO nanocomposite -- Pd-doped SnO2/PRGO nanocomposite -- Hydrothermal rout -- Methane gas sensor; Materials -- Periodicals; Crystal growth -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Cristaux -- Croissance -- Périodiques; Crystal growth; Materials; Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2017.01.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-5408

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Pd-doped SnO2/PRGO and Pd-doped SnO2/rGO nanocomposites were synthesized via a hydrothermal route as a gas sensor. The performance of sensors was studied toward CH4 gas concentrations ranging from 800 to 16000 ppm at room temperature. The synthesized Pd-doped SnO2/rGO exhibits better sensitivity, up to 9.8% for 14000 ppm CH4 at room temperature. The rGO nanosheets provide a surface for nucleation and growth of nanoparticles and a conducting network which facilitates electron transfer. Pd additive improves the CH4 sensitivity at low working temperature, due to the high catalytic activity of Pd. Abstract: In this paper, palladium (Pd)-doped tin oxide (SnO2 )/partially reduced graphene oxide (PRGO) and Pd-doped SnO2 /reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites are synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the crystalline phases of the prepared gas sensitive materials. The FESEM images confirm the existence of homogeneous dispersion of Pd-doped SnO2 nanoparticles anchored onto the rGO/PRGO nanosheets. Then the application of these nanocomposites is investigated as methane (CH4 ) gas sensor and compared with each other. The performance of sensors is studied toward CH4 gas concentrations ranging from 800 to 16000 part per million (ppm) at room temperature. The fabricated sensors show an enhancement in the electrical conductivity with increasing CH4 concentration. The synthesized Pd-doped SnO2 /rGO nanocomposite in comparison with Pd-doped SnO2 /PRGO, exhibits better sensitivity, excellent selectivity and relatively short response time to CH4 at room temperature. The excellent sensing performance of sensor could be ascribed to the presence of Pd nanoparticles and rGO nanosheets in the sensing nanocomposite.