A chemiresistive sensor based on conducting polymer/SWNT composite nanofibrillar matrix - Effect of 100 MeV O~(16) ion irradiation on gas sensing properties

摘要

A facile electrochemical synthesis of poly (N-methyl pyrrole) (PNMP)/single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) composite nanofibrillar matrix has been demonstrated. The composite nanostructure exhibits efficient room temperature sensing of ammonia down to 1 ppm. Towards probing the effect of SHI irradiation on the sensing capabilities, the composite backbone was subjected to irradiation under 100 MeV O~(16) ion beam at various ion fluences (1 × 10~(10), 5 × 10~(10) and 5 × 10~(11) ions cm~(-2)). Comparative morphological, electrical and field effect measurement studies were carried out as a function of ion fluence. The sensing performance of the backbones was rationally correlated to morphological and electrical modifications caused by irradiation. The backbone irradiated at 1 × 10~(10) ions cm~(-2) fluence exhibited the best sensing behaviour for a dynamic window of 50 ppb to 50 ppm concentration of analyte with excellent linearity. The validation of the suitability of this particular sensor under elevated temperature working conditions revealed a drift of 13.47% from the initial value of baseline resistance at 65 °C. The operation of the sensor was highly stable for up to 70 days.