The Influence of Temperature and Visible Light Activation on the NO₂ Response of WO₃ Nanofibers Prepared by Electrospinning

Abstract

Aim of this work is to compare the electrical responses to 100–400 ppb NO2 gas concentrations of WO3 electrospun nanofibers both activated by thermal (in the temperature range 25–100 °C) and/or visible light at different wavelengths (Red λ = 670 nm, Green λ = 550 nm, and Purple-Blue λ = 430 nm). WO3 nanofibers were prepared by mixing a W-O sol-gel transparent solution with a polymeric solution made of PVP and DMF, electospun and subsequently annealed at 450 °C. Regarding gas sensing measurements, Purple Blue light resulted the most effective light source as respect to the others. Light illumination at room temperature revealed to improve both base line recovery and response time, whereas temperature enhances relative response, with a maximum at 75 °C. Light-radiating room temperature gas detection yields a satisfactory response notwithstanding a slight reduction of sensor gas sensitivity. Light induced electrical response mechanisms is presented and discussed.

Keywords

• WO3
• nanofibers
• light activation
• NO2 sensor