Application of SnO2/MWCNTs nanocomposite for SF6 decomposition gas sensor

Chemical byproducts analysis have been recognized as a powerful diagnosis method for SF6 gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). Tin dioxide/multiwall carbon nanotubes (SnO2/MWCNTs) nanaocomposite was synthesized by a wet chemical method at room temperature, from which highly sensitive H2S sensors that can operate at room temperature were fabricated. The samples' morphology and structure were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The formation mechanism of SnO2/MWCNTs was analyzed. The results showed SnO2 was successfully incorporated on the carbon nanotubes and the sensor can detect the concentration of H2S down to the 20 ppm level at room temperature. (C) 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim