Highly Sensitive and Selective SnO2-Gr Sensor Photoactivated for Detection of Low NO2 Concentrations at Room Temperature

Chemical nanosensors based on nanoparticles of tin dioxide and graphene-decorated tin dioxide were developed and characterized to detect low NO₂ concentrations. Sensitive layers were prepared by the drop casting method. SEM/EDX analyses have been used to investigate the surface morphology and the elemental composition of the sensors. Photoactivation of the sensors allowed for detecting ultra-low NO₂ concentrations (100 ppb) at room temperature. The sensors showed very good sensitivity and selectivity to NO₂ with low cross-responses to the other pollutant gases tested (CO and CH₄). The effect of humidity and the presence of graphene on sensor response were studied. Comparative studies revealed that graphene incorporation improved sensor performance. Detections in complex atmosphere (CO + NO₂ or CH₄ + NO₂, in humid air) confirmed the high selectivity of the graphene sensor in near-real conditions. Thus, the responses were of 600%, 657% and 540% to NO₂ (0.5 ppm), NO₂ (0.5 ppm) + CO (5 ppm) and NO₂ (0.5 ppm) + CH₄ (10 ppm), respectively. In addition, the detection mechanisms were discussed and the possible redox equations that can change the sensor conductance were also considered.