Optimization of multilayer graphene-based gas sensors by ultraviolet photoactivation

Álvaro Peña, Daniel Matatagui, Filiberto Ricciardella, Leandro Sacco, Sten Vollebregt, Daniel Otero, Jesús López-Sánchez, Pilar Marín, Mari Carmen Horrillo
Applied Surface Science Volume 610, 1 February 2023, 155393

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a potential hazard to human health at low concentrations, below one part per million (ppm). NO2 can be monitored using gas sensors based on multi-layered graphene operating at ambient temperature. However, reliable detection of concentrations on the order of parts per million and lower is hindered by partial recovery and lack of reproducibility of the sensors after exposure. We show how to overcome these longstanding problems using ultraviolet (UV) light. When exposed to NO2, the sensor response is enhanced by 290 % − 550 % under a 275 nm wavelength light emitting diode irradiation. Furthermore, the sensor's initial state is completely restored after exposure to the target gas. UV irradiation at 68 W/m2 reduces the NO2 detection limit to 30 parts per billion (ppb) at room temperature. We investigated sensor performance optimization for UV irradiation with different power densities and target gases, such as carbon oxide and ammonia. Improved sensitivity, recovery, and reproducibility of UV-assisted graphene-based gas sensors make them suitable for widespread environmental applications.

Funding

Author A. P. received funding from grant PRE2019-0875001234, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCI), Spain. D. M. received funding from Comfuturo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Spain. Authors A. P., D. M., D. O., P. M., and M−C. H. received funding from projects RTI2018-095856-B-C21 and –C22, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Spain. A. P. and P. M. received funding S2018/NMT-4321, Comunidad de Madrid. J. L.-S. received funding from project PID2020-114192RB-C41, Ministerio de Asuntos Económicos y Transformación Digital (MINECO).