Synthesis of Cu doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles as ammonia gas sensor operating at room temperature

Abstract In this work, hydrothermally synthesized copper doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles were utilized for the detection of ammonia gas. The powder samples were described by different characterization techniques. XRD spectrum revealed the crystalline structure of the sample. The morphology and component analysis of nanoparticles was done by SEM and EDAX respectively. The FTIR investigation affirmed the presence of functional group in the sample. Optical properties were assessed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The optical properties were evaluated by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Doping is an effective way to increase gas sensitivity. The sensing properties of cobalt oxide nanoparticles has been enhanced due to the utilization of Cu as a dopant. In the present work, we put emphasis on a cost effective method to achieve supreme sensitivity towards NH3 gas at room temperature even at a lower concentration of 5 ppm. The presence of Cu ions on the surface of Co3O4 nanoparticles was found to enhance the sensor performance.