LPG Sensing Properties Study of Cobalt Oxide and Nickel Oxide Doped Polyaniline Composite

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To synthesise and evaluate NiO- and Co₃O₄-doped polyaniline composites for enhanced LPG gas sensing performance using chemical oxidative polymerization techniques.

Methods/Statistical analysis: By means of chemical oxidative polymerization, NiO and CoO₄ nanoparticles were integrated into the polyaniline matrix.  Using XRD and SEM, structural and morphological studies have been carried out. To evaluate the gas detection capabilities, electrical resistance changes were measured upon exposure to 1000 ppm LPG. Pure Pn was used as the control for comparative analysis of response time and sensitivity.

Findings: The successful creation of NiO- and CoO₄-doped polyaniline nanocomposites with uniform distribution was validated by XRD and SEM data. Both composites showed significantly improved LPG sensing performance over pure Pn. PnNiO exhibited the best response, reaching maximum resistance in ~230 seconds, indicating faster response and higher sensitivity. These improvements are attributed to enhanced charge transport and the synergistic effect of metal oxide doping. Compared to existing reports, these results provide novel insights into the role of multi-phase polymer–metal oxide interactions in gas sensing. This study contributes to the development of highly responsive and selective LPG sensors based on conductive polymer composites.

Novelty/Applications: Enhanced LPG sensing using polyaniline doped with metal oxides offers improved sensitivity and response time for industrial gas leak detection systems.