Electrochemical synthesis of polyaniline nanowires on Pt interdigitated microelectrode for room temperature NH3 gas sensor application

In this work, we have successfully developed a facile and effective electrochemical route for directly growing polyaniline (PANI) nanowires (NWs) on platinum interdigitated microelectrode. The as-prepared NWs were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. They revealed that the PANI NWs were obtained with diameters ranging from 50 to 200 nm and length up to hundreds of micro meters, depending on growth time. The as-obtained PANI NWs on the electrode exhibited a porous nature and the conducting emeraldine type structure. The gas sensing properties of PNAI NWs were explored by monitoring NH3 in synthetic air in the concentration range of 25–500 ppm at room temperature. The results obtained demonstrated that PANI NWs have good potential as novel room temperature sensors for practical applications.

► We have demonstrated a facile method for directly growing polyaniline nanowires Pt-electrode for sensor applications.
► The high performance of room temperature NH3 gas sensor has been developed based on polyaniline.
► The results are important because it can be applied to developed various room temperature gas sensors.