Rapid and Selective NH3 Sensing by Porous CuBr
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Date
2020-04-08
Publication Type
Journal Article
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yes
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Abstract
Fast and selective detection of NH3 at parts‐per‐billion (ppb) concentrations with inexpensive and low‐power sensors represents a long‐standing challenge. Here, a room temperature, solid‐state sensor is presented consisting of nanostructured porous (78%) CuBr films. These are prepared by flame‐aerosol deposition of CuO onto sensor substrates followed by dry reduction and bromination. Each step is monitored in situ through the film resistance affording excellent process control. Such porous CuBr films feature an order of magnitude higher NH3 sensitivity and five times faster response times than conventional denser CuBr films. That way, rapid (within 2.2 min) sensing of even the lowest (e.g., 5 ppb) NH3 concentrations at 90% relative humidity is attained with outstanding selectivity (30–260) over typical confounders including ethanol, acetone, H2, CH4, isoprene, acetic acid, formaldehyde, methanol, and CO, superior to state‐of‐the‐art sensors. This sensor is ideal for hand‐held and battery‐driven devices or integration into wearable electronics as it does not require heating. From a broader perspective, the process opens exciting new avenues to also explore other bromides and classes of semiconductors (e.g., sulfides, nitrides, carbides) currently not accessible by flame‐aerosol technology.
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published
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Journal / series
Volume
7 (7)
Pages / Article No.
1903390
Publisher
Wiley
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Breath analysis; Environmental monitoring; Gas sensors; Semiconductors; Wearables
Organisational unit
03510 - Pratsinis, Sotiris E. (emeritus) / Pratsinis, Sotiris E. (emeritus)
09794 - Güntner, Andreas / Güntner, Andreas
Notes
Funding
170729 - Integrated system for in operando characterization and development of portable breath analyzers (SNF)