Influence of Ta₂O₅ on polyaniline surface for liquid petroleum gas sensing applications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the sensitivity and selectivity properties of polyaniline/tantalum pentoxide (PANI/Ta₂O₅) composite to liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

Design/methodology/approach

Polyaniline/tantalum pentaoxide (PANI/Ta₂O₅) composites were synthesized by in situ chemical polymerization method using ammonium persulphate as an oxidizing agent. This is the novel polymerization process for the direct synthesis of emeraldine salt phase of the polymer. The composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM. Temperature dependence conductivity of the composites shows thermally activated behaviour. Sensitivity and selectivity of the composites are studied.

Findings

The PANI/ Ta₂O₅ composites of 20 wt% and 30 wt% are showing maximum change in resistance against time when compared to pure PANI and other polyaniline composites when exposed to LPG. The 20 wt % composites show maximum sensitivity of 83% to LPG. The selectivity studies reveals that LPG could be sensed better when compared to oxyacetylene and other test gases.

Practical implications

Selectivity studies have been carried out and the sensor proved to be better than metal oxides sensors.

Social implications

The sensing material is of low cost.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, studies on Ta₂O₅‐based gas sensor have not been reported previously.

Citation

Roy, A.S., Parveen, A., Prasad, A. and Anilkumar, K.R. (2012), "Influence of Ta₂O₅ on polyaniline surface for liquid petroleum gas sensing applications", Sensor Review, Vol. 32 No. 2, pp. 163-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602281211209455