Low power consumption and fast response H2S gas sensor based on a chitosan-CuO hybrid nanocomposite thin film

In this work, a novel selective and low temperature H2S gas sensor was fabricated based on copper (II) oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in different concentrations, embedded in a conductivity-engineered organic (glycerol ionic liquid-doped chitosan) membrane/film. The sensing membranes of organic-inorganic nanocomposites (CS-IL-CuO) were prepared by casting method and were tested against H2S gas with reference to time at different temperatures and H2S gas concentrations. The fabricated sensor showed a fast response (14 s) and good sensitivity (15 ppm) towards H2S gas at a low temperature of 40 degrees C. Moreover, the sensor showed a high reversibility and less humidity dependence at 40 degrees C. Moreover, this type of hybrid nanocomposites sensor is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and is energy efficient. Thus, it has potential to be used for industrial applications in harsh environments.