Synthesis of a Cu1.96S:PVA Nanocomposite for Breath Monitoring and Pressure Sensing Applications

A nanocomposite of Cu 1.96 S:PVA has been synthesized by a simple solvent method. This nanocomposite material is characterized using analytical techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis of X-rays, X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zeta potential, and temperature-dependent current-voltage characteristics. The XRD spectrum confirms the tetragonal structure of the Cu 1.96 S:PVA nanocomposite. The value of band gap (1.35 eV) indicated a quantum confinement effect of the synthesized nanocomposite. The particle size was 15.04 nm and 13.40 nm, as determined by XRD and mass effective model, respectively. The capping of PVA with Cu 1.96 S nanoparticles was confirmed by the FTIR spectrum. The zeta potential of the nanocomposite was − 12.8 mV, indicating a threshold of agglomeration. The activation energies were 0.14 eV, 0.11 eV, and 1.05 eV for ionization, extrinsic, and intrinsic conduction processes, respectively. A human breath monitor sensor and pressure sensor have been fabricated and studied for various conditions using a Cu 1.96 S:PVA/PU sponge. Graphic Abstract