Effect of Ultraviolet Activation on Sub-ppm NO Sensing Dynamics of Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-Bearing Graft Copolymers.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO) sensors utilising graft copolymers bearing poly(3-hexylthiophene) chains have been developed and investigated in terms of their operation parameters using different carrier gases (N or air) and in either dark conditions or with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Interestingly, sensor performance improved upon transition from N to air, with the inverse being true for most NO sensors. UV irradiation both improved sensor dynamics and stabilised the sensor electrical baseline, allowing sensors based on SilPEG to fulfil the requirements of sensing solutions used in industry (below 10% baseline drift after sensors reach saturation) and making them promising candidates for further development and applications.

The Heterostructures of CuO and SnO for NO Detection.

Controlling environmental pollution is a burning problem for all countries more than ever. Currently, due to the increasing industrialization, the number of days when the limits of air pollutants are over the threshold levels exceeds 80-85% of the year. Therefore, cheap and effective sensors are always welcome.