Investigation of the MWCNT/SnO2 Sensor for the Detection of Acetone Vapors

Abstract A sensor for the detection of acetone vapors based on the nanocomposite multiwalled carbon nanotubes/tin oxide (MWCNT/SnO2) material was manufactured by the hydrothermal synthesis method. The response of the MWCNT/SnO2 sensor toward acetone vapors from room temperature to 300°C was investigated. The gas sensing characteristics of the MWCNT/SnO2 sensor were investigated in the presence of different concentrations of acetone vapors (400 ppb–20 ppm) at an operating temperature of 250°C. At the same temperature, the impedance characteristics of the MWCNT/SnO2 sensor were investigated both before and after exposure to acetone vapor. An equivalent electrical circuit for the MWCNT/SnO2 sensor structure was proposed. The presented results indicate that the MWCNT/SnO2 structure can detect very low acetone concentrations.