Morpholine doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thiophene–poly(styrenesulfonate) as a low temperature and quick carbon monoxide sensor

Here poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thiophene–poly(styrenesulfonate) has been used as a base to produce a carbon monoxide chemiresistive detector. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thiophene/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) thin films were prepared by spin coating method. The polymer was tested by some common gases in the atmosphere to determine its discrimination ability to detect CO. Particular compositions of Fe, Al and morpholine were also added to the polymer solution to improve thin films sensitivity (percent of resistance variations with respect to its initial value) to recognize carbon monoxide from other gases like water vapor. Room air contains a partial pressure of water vapor which has the main effect on pure polymer. As doping agents were added to the polymer, prepared thin films showed a satisfying sensitivity to CO which was now comparable with the effects of room air. The sensor behavior in approach to room air and carbon monoxide and also the effect of dopants on the polymer has been described.