Optimizing Gas Sensing Performance of CuO Nanoparticles via Sol-Gel Synthesis Approach for Efficient Detection of Ammonia Gas

In this study, we present a plastic optical fiber for volatile organic compound (VOC) gas sensing, where a small portion of the cladding was replaced by CuO sensing material. The structural characterization of the CuO was assessed via powder diffraction X-ray analysis (XRD) and morphological analysis done by SEM imaging. For a variety of VOC gas concentrations, such as ammonia, ethanol, and methanol (0-500 parts per million), as well as for various lengths (1.5 cm and 3 cm) of sensing materials coated on the optical fiber, the spectrum properties of the CuO-coated fiber optic gas sensor were investigated. The 3cm coated CuO over the clad modified region of the plastic optical fiber showed highest intensity of fluctuation towards ammonia gas at wavelengths of 682, 753, and 926 nm, indicating that it is more sensitive to the gas and has a faster response and recovery rate at room temperature than the other two gases.