Combined chemoresistive and in situ FTIR spectroscopy study of nanoporous NiO films for light-activated nitrogen dioxide and acetone gas sensing

The chemoresistive sensor response of nanoporous NiO films prepared by advanced gas deposition was investigated by combined resistivity and in situ FTIR spectroscopy, with and without simultaneous light illumination, to detect NO2 and acetone gases. The sensitivity towards NO2 increased dramatically under UV irradiation employing 275 nm light. Improved sensitivity was observed at an elevated temperature of 150 degrees C. In situ FTIR measurements were performed to record the transient gas adsorption/desorption processes. The sustained sensitivity and repeatability for NO2 sensing could be attributed to reversible surface-nitro and nitrate species formation, which are stable on the surface at relative humidity up to 40%. In contrast, acetone sensing results in irreversible decomposition and accumulation of reaction products on the NiO sensor surface, covering the surface and limiting gas sensing. Implications of the study for improved and sustained NiO gas sensor properties in gas mixtures are discussed.