A silver-nanoparticle-embedded activated-carbon–PEDOT:PSS composite conductor for enhancing electrical conductivity of a gas sensor module

This study focused on the development of a gas sensor module based on a highly sensitive activated-carbon–PEDOT:PSS three-dimensional (3D) conductive composite. The activated-carbon–PEDOT:PSS conductive composite was quantified by forming it into a 3D structure. The best activated carbon among four types was selected in terms of the specific surface area, pore volume, mean pore diameter, and ash content analysis. The conductive composite was fabricated by combining pulverized activated carbon and PEDOT:PSS. The electrical conductivity of the composite was enhanced by doping with ethylene glycol and silver nanoparticles. A gas sensor module base was fabricated in the mold, and a pair of gold electrodes was fabricated on the gas sensor module using an e-beam evaporator. The activated-carbon–PEDOT:PSS composite-based gas sensor module was evaluated to investigate the gas adsorption performance and conductivity. In the ethanol gas adsorption experiment, the highly sensitive change in the resistance of the conductive composite was confirmed. The results of the study can be useful for a variety of bio-applications.