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Fabrication of gas ionization sensor based on titanium oxide nanotube arrays

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Abstract

Gas sensors have been fabricated based on field ionization from titanium oxide nanotubes grown on titanium foil. Ordered nanaotube arrays of titanium oxides were grown by the anodization method. We measured breakdown voltages and discharge currents of the device for various gases. Our gas ionization sensors (GIS) presented good sensitivity, selectivity, and short response time. The GISs based on TiO2 nanotube arrays showed lower breakdown voltage, higher discharge current, and good selectivity. An excellent response observed for Ar compared to other gases. Besides, by introducing 2 % CO and 4 % H2 to N2 flow gas, the amount of breakdown voltage shifts about 20 and 70 volts to the lower values, respectively. The GIS works at room temperature and has the ability of detect inert gases with high stability and good linearity. Besides, short response time of about 1 second for the GISs based on TiO2 nanotube arrays makes them excellent for gas sensing applications. Sharp edges of the nanotubes, through enhancing the applied electric field, reduce operating voltage to the reasonable values and power consumption.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of New Sciences & Technologies, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 14395-1561, Tehran, Iran

    Alireza Nikfarjam

  2. Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Street, P.O. Box 14588-89694, Tehran, Iran

    Raheleh Mohammadpour & Azam Iraji zad

  3. Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Street, Room 436, P.O. Box 11365-9161, Tehran, Iran

    Azam Iraji zad

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  1. Alireza Nikfarjam
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  2. Raheleh Mohammadpour
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  3. Azam Iraji zad
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Correspondence to Azam Iraji zad.

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Nikfarjam, A., Mohammadpour, R. & Iraji zad, A. Fabrication of gas ionization sensor based on titanium oxide nanotube arrays. Appl. Phys. A 115, 1387–1393 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-013-8017-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-013-8017-4

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