Preparation of organic–inorganic (SWCNT/TWEEN–TEOS) nano hybrids and their NO gas sensing properties

Gas sensitive nanostructured hybrid films were synthesized via microwave assisted sol–gel process using polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (TWEEN) and tetraethoxy orthosilicate (TEOS). TWEEN and TEOS were used as organic and inorganic precursors respectively. FT-IR spectra of the TWEEN/TEOS nanohybrid material revealed the formation of organic–inorganic networks between TWEEN and TEOS. XRD spectra and micrographs showed the formation of TWEEN/TEOS amorphous nano hybrid film like structures. Surface roughness was measured using an AFM was 1150 nm and measured film thicknesses were between 18 and 20 μm. 1%SWCNT (single walled carbon nanotube)/TTH (Tween80/TEOS nano hybrids) named as 1%CNT/TTH, CNT/TTH sensor response for 30–100 ppb NO concentrations was R2 = 0.9958. Hybrid films have shown better sensor response and faster response time (t90; 290 s). Using Material Studio software, the adsorption phenomena were explained to that of NO gas sensing property.