Development of rGO-WO3-PPy hybrid nanocomposites for sensitive and selective NH3 detection

This study reports the successful synthesis of rGO-WO 3 -PPy nanocomposites (1–9% rGO), demonstrating that increasing rGO content significantly enhanced structural, thermal, and electrical properties. Characterization through XRD, Raman, and FTIR confirmed a ternary structure of orthorhombic WO 3 and semicrystalline PPy, while AFM and BET revealed that higher rGO levels increase surface roughness, optimizing it for gas adsorption. TGA-DSC and I-V measurements further showed that rGO improves thermal stability and decreases resistance via ohmic behavior. The 9% rGWP thin films exhibited peak performance for ammonia detection, with response/recovery times of 16/28 seconds at room temperature and 4/15 seconds at high temperatures. Its high selectivity, optical transparency, and 12-cycle repeatability make it a cost-effective candidate for wide range of applications. • rGO–WO 3 –PPy hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized via hydrothermal and chemical routes. • Increased rGO content significantly improved the thermal stability and surface roughness. • BET analysis confirmed high surface area and porosity for enhanced gas adsorption. • The 9% rGO sample exhibited superior NH 3 sensing with excellent reproducibility. • Ternary composites showed rapid response and high selectivity at room temperature.