Amperometric room temperature hydrogen gas sensor based on the conjugated polymers of polypyrrole-polyethylene oxide nanofibers synthesised via electrospinning

Polypyrrole-polyethylene oxide (PPy/PEO) nanofiber-like structures were synthesised in this study via the electrospinning method, whereby their morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The images revealed beaded-like nanofibers with a width ranging from 22.0 to 65.0 nm. The fibres were coated directly over a silver interdigital electrode on a silicon/silicon dioxide (Si/SiO2) substrate, wherein the device was characterised as a hydrogen gas sensor at room temperature. The output current was thus explored under two different bias voltages of 5 and 10 V, revealing a rapid response of the target gas in the concentration range of 167 to 1000 ppm. Following the bias voltage application, the response time generated was among the lowest range obtained and published thus far.

Automated summary

Polypyrrole-polyethylene oxide (PPy/PEO) nanofiber-like structures were successfully synthesized and applied as a hydrogen gas sensor at room temperature. The testing results showed a rapid response of the nanofibers to the target gas with low response time.