Enhanced oxygen sensing using the Pb-doped SnS nanostructures: Overcoming the humidity challenges

In this research, the gas and humidity sensing properties of Pb-doped SnS nanostructures synthesized via a sonochemical method were investigated. The study aims to enhance oxygen sensing performance and overcome challenges posed by humidity interference. Various concentrations of Pb were incorporated into the SnS nanostructures, and their structural, morphological, and optical properties were thoroughly analyzed. Our results indicate that Pb doping influences the crystallite size and strain, enhancing gas adsorption properties and improving sensor response. The Pb-doped sensors demonstrated better oxygen sensing performance, with the Pb3 sample showing the highest response at 170 °C. The Pb-doped sensors exhibited a lower humidity response compared to the undoped sensor. For example, the Pb3 sample exhibited responses of 32 % and 9.5 % to oxygen and humidity, respectively, while the Pb0 sample showed responses of 11 % and 190 % to oxygen and humidity, respectively. The sensors show good stability and reproducibility, making them suitable for real-world applications where both gas and humidity must be detected simultaneously. These findings open new avenues for developing efficient, low-cost sensors for environmental monitoring and industrial use.