Acetone sensing behaviour of optical fiber clad-modified with γ-CuBr nanocrystals

Nanocrystalline copper bromide (gamma-CuBr) has been synthesized by hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized sample was characterized for its structural and microstructural properties using powder X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscope. The surface characteristics and optical properties of the sample were further studied with spectroscopy techniques such as FT-IR transmittance, diffused reflectance and fluorescence. Further, gamma-CuBr nanocrystals was used as a gas sensing material in clad-modified optical fiber gas sensing system to explore its sensing behaviour for acetone (C3H6O), ammonia (NH3) and ethanol (C2H5OH). As compared with other gases, gamma-CuBr nanocrystals showed superior sensitivity and specificity to acetone gas. The mechanism involved in the present, clad-modified optical fiber acetone sensor was discussed in detail.