Phase transformation-dependent sensing performance of multi-walled carbon nanotube–alumina nanocomposite-based gas sensors

Alumina (Al2O3) exists in three different phases having different physical properties. In view of this fact, a systematic study has been carried out for the first time to investigate how its various phases influence the sensing performance of a MWCNTs–alumina nanocomposite based trace level gas sensor. A series of composite sensing film were prepared by dispersing MWCNTs in alumina solution followed by a sol–gel process, where the phase of alumina is controlled by specific temperatures set for an annealing process. The analysis revealed that porosity as well as the surface area varies from phase to phase in the composite film and it is the key factor which governs the sensing performance. Brunaur, Emmet and Teller (BET) analysis showed the significant increase in specific surface area of the composite film when boehmite (β-phase) was transformed into γ-phase. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the presence of γ-, mixed δ- θ- and α-alumina phases when the annealing temperature of the composite film raised from room temperature to 450 °C, 800 °C and 1000 °C respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), BET and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were employed to examine the resultant porous structure and surface area of the annealed composite films in various phases. The composite having γ-alumina phase (annealed at 450 °C) was found to have maximum response, where the composite having α-alumina phase (annealed at 1000 °C) had the least.