Cellulose-Copper Oxide hybrid nanocomposites membranes for H₂S gas detection at low temperatures

We report on novel, sensitive, selective and low-temperature hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas sensors based on metal-oxide nanoparticles incorporated within polymeric matrix composites. The Copper-Oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were prepared by a colloid microwave-assisted hydrothermal method that enables precise control of nanoparticle size. The sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) powder with 5% glycerol ionic liquid (IL) was prepared and mixed with different concentrations of CuO NPs (2.5–7.5 wt.%) to produce flexible and semi-conductive polymeric matrix membranes. Each membrane was then sandwiched between a pair of electrodes to produce an H₂S gas sensor. The temperature-dependent gas sensing characteristics of the prepared sensors were investigated over the temperature ranges from 40 °C to 80 °C. The sensors exhibited high sensitivity and reasonably fast responses to H₂S gas at low working temperatures and at a low gas concentration of 15 ppm. Moreover, the sensors were highly selective to H₂S gas, and they showed low humidity dependence, which indicates reliable functioning in humid atmospheres. This organic-inorganic hybrid-materials gas sensor is flexible, with good sensitivity and low power consumption has the potential to be used in harsh environments.