3D finite element simulation model of a chemiresistor gas sensor based on ZnO and graft comb copolymer integrated in a gas chamber

In this paper, chemiresistor sensor based on conductive polymer (regio-regular poly(3- hexyltiophene) (rr-P3HT) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterial blend has been investigated and tested including the significant measurements of response characteristic, humidity, and temperature under exposure of nitrogen oxides. For this purpose, an automated experimental setup has been provided in order to interface the gas chamber containing chemiresistors gas sensors and temperature sensor mounted on base chip with the system of pipes and valves, nitrogen and synthetic air gas cylinders, and Mass Flow controller. As well 3D FE model chemiresistor sensor device based on ZnO and graft comb copolymer contained within of a gas chamber has been developed. The rapid change of resistances values for chemiresistor sensor based on ZnO and graft comb copolymer has been observed at the time of exposure to the gas in accordance with the experimental data obtained by chemiresistor devices sensor manufactured in the laboratories of Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland.