Chemiresistive hydrogen sensors employing metal oxides (MOX) are known for their high sensitivity, ease of fabrication, and cost-effectiveness. However, the poor dispersion of the MOX nanomaterials on the sensing platform can degrade the gas-sensing performance of films prepared using the drop-casting method. In this research, we have synthesized an amphiphilic copolymer, poly(tetrafluoro propyl methacrylate)-co-poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) (PTPO), using a facile free-radical polymerization technique. The PTPO copolymer serves as a surfactant, significantly enhancing the dispersion of MOX nanoparticles in ethanol, resulting in a uniformly dispersed sensing film. The resulting sensor demonstrates superior hydrogen sensing capabilities, exhibiting higher sensitivity and faster response times compared to the sensor made without the copolymer. Additionally, incorporation of PTPO improves the sensor's resistance to humidity, thereby reducing the performance degradation commonly observed in traditional MOX-based sensors under humid conditions. This study, therefore, offers an effective strategy to boost the performance of MOX-based gas sensors by incorporating an amphiphilic copolymer with a microphase-separated structure.
Project is currently funded by: Industry Sponsored Research