Efficient, fast response, and low cost sensor for NH3 gas molecules based on SnO2: CuO/macroPSi nanocomposites

In the present study, a procedure of the inserting of SnO 2 :CuO nanoparticles with different CuO nanoparticles contents within a macroporous silicon layer (macroPSi) gas sensor was prepared and successfully investigated. The macroPSi was effectively fabricated by laser assisted etching process, and CuO nanoparticles loaded with SnO 2 with a high value of surface area were successfully synthesized by the spray pyrolysis method. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) manifested a novel morphology for CuO Bucky particles inside the pores and a nano nail like structure for SnO 2 with a small average grain size of CuO Bucky particles with 30% content. This morphology of nanocomposites improved the sensing performance for NH 3 gas. A higher sensitivity with a very swift response and recovery times of 4 s and 55 s, respectively, was obtained with 150 ppm of NH 3 gas at the room temperature. This improvement in gas sensor performance is strongly related to the higher specific surface areas and smaller particle size with a higher surface roughness of SnO 2 and CuO nanoparticles within the nanocomposites.