Realization of a portable H2S sensing instrument based on SnO2 nanowires

Abstract

Monitoring of toxic gas in air is important because air pollution, especially in developing countries, has rapidly become severe. The high cost of installation and maintenance of a stationary analysis system by using methods such as gas chromatography limits its applications. Low-power, portable devices with relatively low-cost gas sensors are effective for mapping pollution levels in real-time in urban areas and in other living environmentts. Herein, the realization of a portable H2S sensing instrument based on SnO2 nanowires is reported. The sensor chip was prepared by the on-chip growth of SnO2 nanowires directly from the edges of Pt electrodes. The electronic system and software for signal acquisition, data processing, data storage, and output of the instrument were developed. A prototype for zero series of the instrument was also realized. The instrument is capable of monitoring H2S gas in air at ppm level and in biogas production with satisfation. Keywords: Portable gas sensors, SnO2 nanowires, Real-time monitoring, H2S gas