The effect of highly ordered titania nanotube structures on hydrogen gas detection

Abstract

Different titanium oxide nanotubes were synthesized by anodizing the surface of titanium foil in two electrolyte solutions containing hydrofluoric acid and ethylene glycol. The samples were heat-treated in a furnace. The microstructure and phase transformations of the nanotubes were investigated by X-ray diffraction and field emission-scanning electron microscope. The nanoscale geometry of the nanotubes is responsible for the outstanding hydrogen gas sensitivities. A remarkable variation in electrical conductance has been observed in titanium oxide nanotube arrays that were prepared in hydrofluoric acid. This sensor exhibits a large resistance variation in the presence of very small quantities of hydrogen gas at 25 C. The sensors show reversibility, repeatability, negligible drift, and wide dynamic range.

Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials for Sensor Applications

“…The best result was obtained with a detection range of 0–500 ppm (see Figure ) and a sensitivity of 10 –4 at 290 °C for 1000 ppm H 2 . A similar result was confirmed by Asl et al who investigated the effect of TiO 2 NTs structures on sensing performance. In addition, some research revealed that 1–2 μm TiO 2 NTs also showed a comparable performance in H 2 sensing.…”

“…Moreover, Au doped TiO 2 matrix was also studied to make sensor work at room temperature. 142,162 Asl et al 142 fabricated Au doped TiO 2 NTs and successfully got a sensitivity of ∼10 4 on exposure to 1% H 2 at room temperature.…”

“…Apparently, the structure with biggest resistance variation is most favorable for H 2 gas detection. Reviewing the H 2 sensor based on different TiO 2 nanomaterials, TiO 2 NTs-based H 2 sensor is taking prominence for its remarkable performance; for example, TiO 2 NTs showed a sensitity of ∼10 4 as compared to 30 obtained by TiO 2 nanoparticles …”

Preparation and Application of TiO2 Nanotube Array Gas Sensor for SF6-Insulated Equipment Detection: a Review

“…Finally, the TiO 2 nanotubes are received by dissolving the AAO template with strong alkali solution. Martine et al successfully fabricated different kinds of metal nanotubes: TiO 2 , Co 3 O 4 , MnO 2 , WO 3 , and ZnO nanotubes by this method [ 31 ]. In other study, Peng et al fabricated bamboo-shaped TiO 2 nanotubes with an average diameter of 100 nm by upright dipping manner [ 32 ].…”

“…Shahin el al. reported that the Au- and Ag-decorated TiO 2 nanotubes sensor exhibited a large resistance variation in the presence of very small quantities of H 2 gas at 25 °C [ 31 ].…”