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Enhanced Nitrogen Dioxide Detection Using Resistive Graphene-based Electronic Sensors Modified with Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity

Danielle Goodwin, Mariolino Carta Orcid Logo, MUHAMMAD ALI, DANIEL GILLARD, Owen Guy Orcid Logo

ACS Sensors

Swansea University Authors: Danielle Goodwin, Mariolino Carta Orcid Logo, MUHAMMAD ALI, DANIEL GILLARD, Owen Guy Orcid Logo

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Abstract

In this study, we report on the fabrication and evaluation of gas sensing performance for 3 × 3 graphene pixel array sensors coated with polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1 and PIM-EA-TB) and Matrimid, a commercial polyimide, for the detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The polymer films, wit...

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Published in: ACS Sensors
ISSN: 2379-3694
Published: American Chemical Society (ACS) 2025
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68905
Abstract: In this study, we report on the fabrication and evaluation of gas sensing performance for 3 × 3 graphene pixel array sensors coated with polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1 and PIM-EA-TB) and Matrimid, a commercial polyimide, for the detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The polymer films, with thicknesses of only 9–11 nm, significantly enhanced the gas sensing performance, demonstrating responses as high as −25.7% compared to a bare graphene response of −10.8%. The gas sensing performance was evaluated in real-time by exposing the sensors to NO2 concentrations from 1 to 50 ppm, along with selectivity tests using ammonia (NH3), nitric oxide (NO), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2). In addition to their high sensitivity, the sensors exhibited reduced response times by 56 s. They also demonstrated high selectivity for NO2, with minimal cross-sensitivity to other gases. Furthermore, the polymer membranes exhibited rapid recovery times (114–153 s) and limits of detection in the low parts per billion range, with PIM-EA-TB achieving a detection limit of 0.7 ppb. These features highlight their potential as promising candidates for real-time environmental monitoring of toxic gases, showcasing the potential use of PIMs to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of graphene-based gas sensors and providing a foundation for further development of cost-effective and reliable NO2 detection systems.
Keywords: graphene, gas sensors, surface modification, polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM), nitrogen dioxide
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Funders: This research was supported by the COATED M2A funding from the European Social Fund via the Welsh Government (c80816) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (grant ref: EP/S02252X/1). SEM facilities were provided by the Swansea University AIM Facility, funded in part by the EPSRC (EP/M028267/1), the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government (80708).