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Organic humidity sensing film optimization by embedding inorganic nano-anatase TiO2 powder

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Abstract

In this work, surface-type humidity sensors with P3HT (organic) and P3HT–TiO2 (organic–inorganic hybrid) active layers have been fabricated. The surface morphology of the humidity active films has been studied by atomic force microscopy, whereas their crystalline structure has been studied by X-ray diffraction. We have aimed at improving the sensing parameters of P3HT-based humidity sensor, by embedding nano-anatase TiO2 powder in pristine organic P3HT moiety. The capacitance versus relative humidity (%RH) response curves of the organic and hybrid humidity sensors have been examined in 30–98%RH range (dark ambient condition, room temperature). In general, an increase in capacitance has been observed in both sensors with the increment in RH level. The observed response of both humidity sensors is believed to be associated with polarization change due to the adsorption of water molecules and transfer of charge carriers due to the formation of charge transfer complexes. The hybrid-based humidity sensor has shown significantly improved humidity-sensing parameters, i.e., fivefold higher sensitivity, with hysteresis reduced to one-third as compared to that of pristine organic humidity sensor. A relatively faster response and recovery time has also been obtained by the hybrid sample.

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Acknowledgements

Dr. Qayyum Zafar is thankful to Higher Education Commission, Pakistan for his placement as Assistant Professor and funding at Government College University, Lahore under IPFP program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Mohamad Izzat Azmer & Khaulah Sulaiman

  2. Department of Physics, Government College University (GCU), Lahore, 54000, Pakistan

    Qayyum Zafar

  3. Department of Physics, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Hawler, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 44001, Iraq

    Karwan Wasman Qadir

  4. Physics Education Department, Faculty of Education, Ishik University, Erbil, 44001, Iraq

    Karwan Wasman Qadir

  5. Department of Chemistry, Faulty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

    Tahani M. Bawazeer

  6. Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

    Mohammad S. Alsoufi

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  1. Mohamad Izzat Azmer
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  2. Qayyum Zafar
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  3. Karwan Wasman Qadir
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  4. Khaulah Sulaiman
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  5. Tahani M. Bawazeer
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  6. Mohammad S. Alsoufi
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Correspondence to Qayyum Zafar.

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Azmer, M.I., Zafar, Q., Qadir, K.W. et al. Organic humidity sensing film optimization by embedding inorganic nano-anatase TiO2 powder. Appl. Phys. A 124, 508 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-018-1924-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-018-1924-7

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