Microwave-assisted synthesis of Ta-modified V2O5 from vanadium powder for rapid response NH3 sensor at room temperature

Abstract

The rise in global living standards is accompanied by the drawback of increasing emissions of pollutants and toxic gases, which adversely impact human health and the environment. This issue has spurred the demand for the development of highly efficient and cost-effective gas sensors. In this study, we present the gas-sensing properties of Ta-modified V₂O₅ thin films synthesized directly from vanadium and tantalum metal powders using a microwave-assisted method. The morphology and structural characteristics of the synthesized materials were investigated and analyzed using techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The NH₃ sensing performance of the Ta-modified V₂O₅ films was evaluated at room temperature. Notably, the 3 wt% Ta-modified V₂O₅ film exhibited a response time of 1 s to 17 ppm NH₃, with the response magnitude of 1.39. With its straightforward synthesis process, Ta-modified V₂O₅ nanomaterials hold significant potential as room-temperature NH₃ gas sensors.