Synthesis and evaluation of gas sensing properties of PANI, PANI/SnO2 and PANI/SnO2/rGO nanocomposites at room temperature

Polyaniline nanofibers, PANI/SnO2 and PANI/SnO2/rGO nanocomposites were successfully prepared by an in-situ polymerization method. As synthesized nanofibers and nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Field emission scanning electron microscope which confirms the formation of nanofibers and nanocomposites, also gives the confirmation about an interaction between PANI nanofibers, SnO2 nanoparticles, and rGO nanosheets, respectively. Polyaniline nanofibers, PANI/SnO2 and PANI/SnO2/rGO nanocomposites were used in gas sensing to detect the different gases at room temperature. All the nanocomposites and nanofibers had better selectivity and sensitivity towards the ammonia gas. PANI/SnO2/rGO nanocomposite showed the best response of 0.83 for 10 ppm concentration of ammonia gas at room temperature with a recovery time of similar to 80 s.