PVDF nanofibers electrospun with conductor polymers for application in gas sensors

Abstract

Ammonia (NH3) and carbon monoxide (CO) gas are defined by NR15 (Regulatory Standard 15) as highly toxic substances. Stiffer regulations that control toxic gas emissions, safety and health require sensors of greater sensitivity, stability and selectivity in different environments. This requires efficient processing and continuous expansion in sensor development. Although a wide variety of sensors are well established in the process, agriculture, medicine and many other industries, the development of high-capacity detection materials is still advancing at an unprecedented rate. In recent years nanometric and micrometric materials have been widely studied as possible candidates for the application in gas sensors. The aim of this project is the development of conductive nanofibers with different concentrations of polyaniline (PAni) and polypyrrole (PPy), in the matrix of the insulating polymer (PVDF), by electrospinning technique, aiming at the application of ammonia gas sensors (NH3) and carbon monoxide (CO). The nanofibers will be characterized by ultraviolet (UV-Vis), infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and AC / DC electrical conductivity measurements. The successful development of this project aims to increase the efficiency and speed of detection of these highly toxic substances, seeking high values of mobility load, improving performance and increasing detection speed.