Fabrication of AgCu/TiO2 nanoparticle-based sensors for selective detection of xylene vapor

Abstract

The design and fabrication of innovative nanostructured materials that could display improved sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response/recovery characteristics still present significant scientific challenges. Herein we report the timely selective detection of xylene vapour in benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene (BTE) and acetone vapours at low operating temperatures using an n-type AgCu/TiO2 nanoparticlebased sensor. Switching from p-type to n-type conductivity was observed at higher AgCu loadings. The findings showed that sensor switching was not temperature- or gas-dependent. Among the AgCu loaded on TiO2 nanoparticles, n-type 0.5% AgCu loaded on TiO2 displayed a remarkable response (Rg/Ra E 33.2) toward xylene vapour at 150 1C. The sensor exhibited superior selectivity,