Zeolite-modified WO3 gas sensors – Enhanced detection of NO2

Solid-state metal oxide gas sensors with zeolite overlayers have been developed as a means to improve sensor selectivity. Screen printed tungsten oxide (WO3) sensors were modified by the addition of acidic and catalytic zeolite layers. The sensors were characterised before and after sensing experiments using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The sensors were tested against various gases and gas mixtures to assess their discriminatory behaviour. The results show that the sensors response can be tailored to be selective towards specific target gases by changing the zeolite; for example the H-ZSM-5 sensor gave a response 19 times greater to NO2 than an unmodified control sensor. It was observed that the WO3 based gas sensors showed a remarkable selectivity towards NO2 in a gas mixture. The sensors also showed high levels of stability and sensitivity and have potential to be used in electronic nose technology.