High selectivity in NO2 gas sensing applications using polythiophene-MnO2 composite thin films.

Many harmful gasses are released during the burning of fossil fuels. Thus, it is essential to create gas sensors with high efficiency and low power consumption. The easy chemical bath deposition approach was used to produce the MnO 2 -incorporated polythiophene (PTh/MnO 2) composite thin film, and its potential application in NO 2 gas sensing at the operating temperature was comprehensively examined. The physicochemical properties were examined using FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDAX, AFM, and other instruments. The effects of adding MnO 2 on the physicochemical and NO 2 -sensing properties were studied. Out of all the oxidizing and reducing gases, the PTh/MnO 2 composite sensor showed the highest NO 2 selectivity when tested at operating temperature (NH 3 , Cl 2 , H 2 S, NO 2 , and methane). Every PTh/MnO 2 composite thin film demonstrated improved NO 2 sensing capabilities, with a maximum sensitivity of 95.67 percent for 100 parts per million of gas and a response of 20.93 percent for 0.5 parts per million of gas. Furthermore, they all reacted remarkably well to decreased NO 2 gas concentrations. [Display omitted] • MnO 2 incorporated polythiophene (PTh/MnO 2) composite thin film for gas sensing applications. • Highest sensitivity of 95.67 % and the shortest response time of 11 sec for NO 2 • Low working temperatures for NO 2 gas sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]