Room temperature hydrogen gas sensor nanocomposite based on Pd-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes thin films

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are successfully processed in the form of thin films (buckypapers), and their morphology and electrical behaviour are characterized. The MWCNTs are synthesized by the floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition process. The effects of a sequence of treatments applied for MWCNTs purification on the buckypapers electrical behaviour are also examined. Nanocomposite thin films constituted of pristine and purified MWCNTs and Pd nanoparticles are prepared in order to evaluate their viability as H2 sensors at room temperature. For this purpose, the electrical resistance of the nanocomposite films in atmospheres with different H2 concentrations, is determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the buckypapers and the nanocomposite films are 2D structures constituted by randomly oriented MWCNTs. The buckypapers present a semiconductor-like electrical behaviour as determined by the standard four point method. Room temperature resistivity values of around 10−3 Ω m are assessed. Nanocomposite films show different electrical behaviour depending on the purification treatment applied to the MWCNTs employed. Furthermore, the electrical resistance of the nanocomposite films is found to increase when the measurements are performed in H2 atmosphere. Values of H2 sensitivity at room temperature of the nanocomposite films up to 2.15% are determined for H2 average concentration higher than 350 ppm with short recovery time.