Beneficial effect of Pd and MWCNT co-loading in SnO2 nanoparticles towards the low temperature detection of n-butane gas: synergistic effect on sensing performance†
Abstract
A significant enhancement in sensor response and the lowering of operating temperature towards the detection of n-butane gas have been achieved by compositing SnO2 with a small amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Pd. The sensor nanomaterial was prepared by a facile chemical route and characterized by multiple sophisticated techniques, viz., TGA, XRD, TEM, HR-TEM, and I–V. The thick film, chemiresistive sensor was fabricated following the Taguchi model. While Pd induces chemical sensitization, both Pd and MWCNTs enhance the depletion layer thickness in SnO2 nanoparticles, leading to enhanced sensor response (93% to 2000 ppm n-butane), fast response time (2 s), repeatability, and stability. This sensor is suitable for applications in coal mines, oil refineries, LPG processing and storage plants, etc.