Selective detection of low concentration toluene gas using Pt-decorated carbon nanotubes sensors

We demonstrated the preparation of high-performance toluene (C7H8) gas sensor, by using the Pt-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite materials. We optimized the size of the Pt nanoparticles by controlling the predeposited Pt thickness, for obtaining the highest sensing performances. We have obtained the sensor responses of 3.91 and 5.06, at concentrations of 1 and 5 ppm of C7H8 gas, respectively, at 150 degrees C. We discussed the associated sensing mechanisms and proposed the reasons why the Pt-functionalization drastically enhanced the sensing behaviors of the Pt-MWCNTs composite sensors selectively to C7H8 gas. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.