Effect of operating temperature on the sensor performance of oriented Ni/NiO networks in a PEDOT:PSS matrix for nitrogen dioxide detection

Given the high ecotoxicity of nitrogen dioxide and its prevalence in urban atmospheres, the development of sensitive sensors for its detection is a pressing task. In this study, a gas-sensitive layer in the form of a composite material based on Ni fibers + NiO nanoparticles embedded in a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate polymer matrix is proposed. The sensor response of the developed material to NO2 was determined at various operating temperatures. It was found that increasing the operating temperature from 25 to 180 °C leads to a significant increase in the response magnitude and response speed of the sensor to NO2. The optimal balance between high sensitivity and long-term signal stability is achieved at a temperature of 120 °C, at which the sensitivity of the material to NO2 is 6.6·10–3 ppm–1.