We combined a conducting polymer, polyaniline (PANI), with an organic semiconducting macrocyclic (MCs) material. The macrocycles are the phthalocyanines and porphyrins used to tune the electrical properties of the PANI, which benefits from their ability to enhance sensor response. For this, we proceeded by a simple ultrasonically assisted reaction involving the two components, i.e., the PANI matrix and the MCs, to achieve the synthesis of the composite nanostructure PANI/MCs. The composite nanostructure has been characterized and deposited on interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) to construct resistive sensor devices. The isolated nanostructured composites present good electrical properties dominated by PANI electronic conductivity, and the characterization reveals that both components are present in the nanostructure. The experimental results obtained under gas exposures show that the composite nanostructures can be used as a sensing material with enhanced sensing properties. The sensing performance under different conditions, such as ambient humidity, and the sensor's operating temperature are also investigated. Sensing behavior in deficient humidity levels and their response at different temperatures revealed unusual behaviors that help to understand the sensing mechanism. Gas sensors based on PANI/MCs demonstrate significant stability over time, but this stability is highly reduced after experiments in lower humidity conditions and at high temperatures.
Keywords: ammonia; humidity; phthalocyanine; polyaniline; porphyrins; resistive sensors; temperature.