In situ polymerised polypyrrole films for sensors application

• Published in: Microelectronics international 2014-08, Vol.31 (3), p.158-162
• Main Authors: Zawadzka, Monika, Kulawik, Jan, Szwagierczak, Dorota, Zaraska, Krzysztof
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesives; Alumina; Deposition; Electrical & electronic engineering; Electrodes; Engineering; Health; Polyethylene terephthalates; Polymerization; Polymers; Polypyrroles; Sensors; Studies; Temperature; VOCs; Volatile organic compounds
• ISSN: 1356-5362; 1758-812X
• DOI: 10.1108/MI-11-2013-0076

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present fabrication process of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensors based on polypyrrole material deposited on different substrates and to show and compare the responses of the produced sensors to different VOCs. Design/methodology/approach – Polypyrrole sensing layers were prepared by in situ chemical polymerisation on two different substrates: alumina and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The time of the polymerisation was varied. After film deposition, an interdigitated electrode was screen-printed on the material deposited on the substrate. Findings – It was demonstrated that both polymerisation time and substrate type provide means to vary the sensitivity of polypyrrole-based sensors to VOCs. Practical implications – VOCs, which are released in manufacturing or use of various products and materials, pose a threat to the environment and human health. Therefore, measures must be taken to control their concentration both in indoor and outdoor air. Originality/value – Deposition of a conductive polymer film on the substrate via in situ chemical polymerisation followed by screen-printing of an interdigitated electrode on the polymer surface offers a fast and an effective method of chemiresistor-type sensor fabrication.