Effects of silver oxide nanoparticles on the gas sensing properties of carbon nanotube / poly(3-hexylthiophene) composite films

This study investigates the influence of silver oxide (Ag_₂O) nanoparticles on the gas-sensing properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P₃HT) composite films. The goal is to enhance the sensitivity and stability of CNT/P₃HT-based gas sensors for nitrogen dioxide (NO_₂) detection. CNTs and P₃HT are composited at various mass ratios, followed by integrating Ag_₂O nanoparticles to improve gas interaction and electronic properties. Structural and morphological analyses, including x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, ascertain the successful incorporation of Ag_₂O into the composites and reveal its role in improving dispersion and reducing CNT entanglement. Also, Gas-sensing tests demonstrate that Ag_₂O doping enhances the composite's response stability and sensitivity, with optimal performance at a CNT ratio of 0.7, where a higher and more stable response to NO_₂is observed. These findings suggest that Ag_₂O-doped CNT/P₃HT composites offer promising applications in highly sensitive NO_₂gas sensors, with potential scalability for environmental monitoring. Such progress in materials science for sensor technology is crucial for advancing real-time environmental monitoring capabilities, a prerequisite for effective air quality management and public health protection.