Optimization of multilayer graphene-based gas sensors by ultraviolet photoactivation

Peña, Álvaro; Matatagui, Daniel; Ricciardella, F.; Sacco, L.N.; Vollebregt, S.; Otero, Daniel; López-Sánchez, Jesús; Marín, Pilar; Horrillo, Mari Carmen

doi:10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.155393

Optimization of multilayer graphene-based gas sensors by ultraviolet photoactivation

Title

Optimization of multilayer graphene-based gas sensors by ultraviolet photoactivation

Author

Peña, Álvaro (UCM-ADIF)
Matatagui, Daniel (UCM-ADIF; Universidad Complutense de Madrid; (ITEFI-CSIC))
Ricciardella, F. (TU Delft Electronic Instrumentation)
Sacco, L.N. (TU Delft Electronic Components, Technology and Materials)
Vollebregt, S. (TU Delft Electronic Components, Technology and Materials)
Otero, Daniel (UCM-ADIF)
López-Sánchez, Jesús (CSIC - Instituto de Ceramica y Vidrio (ICV))
Marín, Pilar (UCM-ADIF; Universidad Complutense de Madrid)
Horrillo, Mari Carmen ((ITEFI-CSIC))

Date

2023

Abstract

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a potential hazard to human health at low concentrations, below one part per million (ppm). NO₂ can be monitored using gas sensors based on multi-layered graphene operating at ambient temperature. However, reliable detection of concentrations on the order of parts per million and lower is hindered by partial recovery and lack of reproducibility of the sensors after exposure. We show how to overcome these longstanding problems using ultraviolet (UV) light. When exposed to NO₂, the sensor response is enhanced by 290 % − 550 % under a 275 nm wavelength light emitting diode irradiation. Furthermore, the sensor's initial state is completely restored after exposure to the target gas. UV irradiation at 68 W/m2 reduces the NO₂ detection limit to 30 parts per billion (ppb) at room temperature. We investigated sensor performance optimization for UV irradiation with different power densities and target gases, such as carbon oxide and ammonia. Improved sensitivity, recovery, and reproducibility of UV-assisted graphene-based gas sensors make them suitable for widespread environmental applications.

Subject

Ammonia
Carbon monoxide
Graphene gas sensors
Limit of detection
Nitrogen dioxide
Ultraviolet

To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:54599a2d-a3f5-485e-b370-d3fa8c0030bf

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.155393

ISSN

0169-4332

Source

Applied Surface Science, 610

Part of collection

Institutional Repository