Structurally optimized cupric oxide/polyaniline nanocomposites for efficient humidity sensing

Structural synergism and interfacial optimization of organic and inorganic materials has exponentially advances several properties for different applications in sensing sciences. In this regard, present paper reports the synthesis of copper oxide and its nano composite with polyaniline by chemical oxidative polymerization route using ammonium persulphate as a polymerizing agent. The characterization was done by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The result reveals the formation of nano composite with optimized crystallinity, improved thermal stability and electrical conductivity. Further, a film of composite was explored for resistive type electrochemical humidity sensing of a closed chamber in the range of 10-95% RH. The observed sensing parameters were sensitivity 4.5 ohm/RH, response time 40 s and recovery time 55 s. On the basis of trends in resistance and surface interaction the expected sensing mechanism has been proposed. This indicates that the CuO/PANI nanocomposite will be a promising tool for other molecules to develop perspective material for humidity monitoring with good sensing parameters due to guided interaction between composite and water molecules.