Silver nanoparticle polymer composite based humidity sensor

Analyst. 2010 Jul;135(7):1645-52. doi: 10.1039/c0an00133c. Epub 2010 Jun 1.

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles were synthesised by a chemical reduction process in order to produce an aqueous colloidal dispersion. The resulting colloids were then characterised by a combination of UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy and the nanoparticles were found to have an average diameter of 20-22 nm. The Ag/polymer nanocomposites were then applied to platinum interdigital electrodes as sensor coatings and the capability of the resulting sensor as a humidity detector investigated. With the application of 1 V, a current developed which was found to be directly proportional to humidity levels. The sensor gives a reversible, selective and rapid response which is proportional to levels of humidity within the range of 10% RH to 60% RH. An investigation into the mechanism of the sensor's response was conducted and the response was found to correlate well with a second order Langmuir adsorption model.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrochemical Techniques / methods*
  • Electrodes
  • Humidity*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Platinum / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Steam / analysis

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Steam
  • Silver
  • Platinum