Fast detection of hydrogen sulfide gas in the ppmv range with silver nanoparticle films at ambient conditions

Based on the chemical reaction of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an optical sensor to detect H2S gas at room temperature was designed. Peak intensity of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption of Ag NPs was monitored as the sensor responded to H2S. The fabricated Ag NP films were very sensitive to the presence of H2S with a gas concentration in the parts per million by volume (ppmv) range. The reaction of H2S on silver nanoparticle surfaces proceeded very quickly, as indicated by a significant and rapid decrease in the peak absorbance of LSPR. From analysis of the reaction kinetics, the initial reaction between Ag NPs and H2S gas was revealed to be a first-order reaction in Ag, and the initial reaction rate was proportional to the gas concentration in the ppmv range. The H2S gas concentration can be determined from either the initial reaction rate or from the H2S dose measured after extended reaction periods. Performance of the Ag NP film as a dosimeter at ambient conditions was evaluated by exposure to H2S in air, to water vapor with different relative humidity, to ammonia, to hydrochloric acid and to some volatile organic compound vapors. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.