Wet chemistry route for the decoration of carbon nanotubes with iron oxide nanoparticles for gas sensing

• Published in: Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 2019, Vol.10 (1), p.105-118
• Main Authors: Elnabawy, Hussam M, Casanova-Chafer, Juan, Anis, Badawi, Fedawy, Mostafa, Scardamaglia, Mattia, Bittencourt, Carla, Khalil, Ahmed S G, Llobet, Eduard, Vilanova, Xavier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: benzene detection; Carbon; Chemical industry; Chemistry; Decoration; Density; doping; Full Research Paper; gas sensor; Gas sensors; Gases; Humidity; Hydrocarbons; Iron oxides; metal nanoparticle decoration; Metal oxides; Morphology; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; multiwalled carbon nanotubes; Nanoparticles; Nanoscience; Nanotechnology; Nitrates; Nitrogen dioxide; NO2 detection; Organic chemistry; Particle size; Process parameters; Roasting; room temperature gas sensing; Sensors; Silicon substrates; surface modification
• ISSN: 2190-4286; 2190-4286
• DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.10.10

In this work, we investigated the parameters for decorating multiwalled carbon nanotubes with iron oxide nanoparticles using a new, inexpensive approach based on wet chemistry. The effect of process parameters such as the solvent used, the amount of iron salt or the calcination time on the morphology, decoration density and nanocluster size were studied. With the proposed approach, the decoration density can be adjusted by selecting the appropriate ratio of carbon nanotubes/iron salt, while nanoparticle size can be modulated by controlling the calcination period. Pristine and iron-decorated carbon nanotubes were deposited on silicon substrates to investigate their gas sensing properties. It was found that loading with iron oxide nanoparticles substantially ameliorated the response towards nitrogen dioxide.