Electrical properties and humidity sensor characteristics of lead hydroxyapatite material

• Published in: Applied surface science 2014-06, Vol.303, p.175-179
• Main Authors: TUDORACHE, Florin, PETRILA, Iulian, POPA, Karin, CATARGIU, Ana Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Humidity; Hydroxyapatite; Physics; Precipitation (chemistry); Sensors; Sodium salts; Sulfates; Synthesis (chemistry); Water vapor
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.02.138

Crystalline lead hydroxyapatite is obtained by direct precipitation from aqueous solution, the method being easy, fast and reproducible. The synthesis route which does not involve sodium salts or sulfates makes the material suitable for applications in catalysis. The electrical characteristics of lead hydroxyapatite material treated at different temperatures, made us focus on the analysis of the influence of water vapors upon the electrical characteristics. Thus, the electrical response to humidity adsorptive processes of lead hydroxyapatite material suggested us to analyze the material characteristics in terms of its use as a humidity sensor. The hydrophilic properties of lead hydroxyapatite material are reflected especially in high sensitivity and reduced time of response of the humidity sensors but also in long time of recovery, which suggests that Pb10(PO4)6(OH)2 material can be used for humidity sensors specialized in monitoring fluctuating humidity environments.