Silver doped Polypyrrole nanocomposite-based gas sensor for enhanced ammonia gas sensing performance at room temperature

Abstract

Nanocomposite, which comprise organic and inorganic materials have gained increasing interest in the application for enhanced sensing response to both reducing and oxidation gases. In this study, a nanocomposite is chemical polymerization synthesized by reinforcing Ag nanoparticles with different concentration doped into the matrix of Polypyrrole (PPy). This nanocomposite is used as a sensing platform for ammonia detection with different concentration (ppm). The homogeneous distribution of Ag nanoparticles onto the PPy matrix provides a smooth and dense surface area, further accelerating the transmission of electrons. The synergistic effect of PPy@Ag matrix is responsible for the outstanding conductivity, compatibility and catalytic power of the proposed gas sensor. The structure, morphology, and surface composition of as-synthesized samples were respectively, examined via X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that sensor based on the PPy@Ag5 (2 gm) nanocomposite showed the highest response toward ammonia as compare to pure PPy at room temperature with a response value is 58 % to 100 ppm. Overall, the obtained findings demonstrated that the PPy@Ag nanocomposite are promising materials for gas sensing applications in environmental monitoring.