Novel nanocomposite (PMMA / biodegradable PHB / PHB grafted MWCNTs) for ammonia sensing

Abstract

Disclosed herein is the method of preparing nanocomposite for ammonia sensing application with a limit of detection (LOD) equals 0.129 ppm. Fabricated nanocomposites sensors contain 80 wt% poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), 20 wt% biodegradable poly(3hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), and 4 wt% of PHB grafted MWCNTs (gMWCNTs). The g-MWCNTs interact both physically and chemically with both PMMA (Poly(methyl methacrylate)) and PHB (Poly(3hydroxybutyrate)) polymer. The synthesized nanocomposite exhibit porous structure. For ammonia sensing application, the synthesized nanocomposite (5%) is dispersed in chloroform and 0.05 microliter drop is spin-coated at 600 rounds per minute on an interdigitated electrode (line width: 210 micrometers, line space: 190 micrometers, and size: 7 millimeters x 13.4 millimeters). The enhanced performance of PHB / g-MWCNTs / PMMA in the response time, sensitivity (~100%), and repeatability is due to the higher effective surface area, porous structure, and shorter penetration depth for gas molecules. The obtained results are promising for the fabrication of sensors applicable to the detection and location of ammonia gas leaks in industrial as well as general public premises.