Synthesis, Characterization and Electrical Properties of Polypyrrole/ Zirconia Nanocomposite and its Application as Ethene Gas Sensor

In this communication, we report the synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole/zirconia (PPy/ZrO ₂ ) nanocomposites by an in-situ chemical polymerisation method and their application as sensor for detection of ethene gas for the first time. The as-prepared PPy and PPy/ZrO ₂ nanocomposites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The nanocomposite containing 20 wt.% of ZrO ₂ was found to possess higher DC (direct current) electrical conductivity than PPy and the other PPy/ZrO ₂ nanocomposites. Sensing response was calculated on the basis of change in DC electrical conductivity. The most conductive nanocomposite was found to be highly sensitive and reversible to ethene gas. This study indicates an effective approach to possible future sensing technology for the detection of ethene gas.