Sensing Properties of g-C₃N₄/Au Nanocomposite for Organic Vapor Detection

Abstract

Alleviating the increasingly critical environmental pollution problems entails the sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a hazardous factor for human health wherein the development of gas sensor platforms offers an efficient strategy to detect such noxious gases. Nanomaterials, particularly carbon-based nanocomposites, are desired sensing compounds for gas detection owing to their unique properties, namely a facile and affordable synthesis process, high surface area, great selectivity, and possibility of working at room temperature. To achieve that objective, g-C3N4 (graphitic carbon nitride) was prepared from urea deploying simple heating. The ensuing porous nanosheets of g-C3N4 were utilized as a substrate for loading Au nanoparticles, which were synthesized by the laser ablation method. g-C3N4 presented a sensing sensitivity toward organic vapors, namely methanol, ethanol, and acetone vapor gases, which were significantly augmented in the presence of Au nanoparticles. Specifically, the as-prepared nanocomposite performed well with regard to the sensing of methanol vapor gas and offers a unique strategy and highly promising sensing compound for electronic and electrochemical applications.

Keywords

• gas sensor
• g-C₃N₄
• Au nanoparticles
• laser ablation
• organic vapors