One-pot synthesis of silver nanoparticles decorated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanotubes for chemical sensor application

Ag nanoparticle (NP) decorated PEDOT nanotubes (NTs) were constructed using metal ion reduction-mediated vapor deposition polymerization (VDP). Ag NPs/PEDOT NTs were obtained by one-pot synthesis because PEDOT can reduce Ag cations to Ag NPs. Ag NPs/PEDOT NTs efficiently sensed NH3 due to an increased surface area and improved conductivity originating from oxidation of PEDOT by Ag NPs. This study evaluated increasing concentrations of AgNO3 in Ag NPs/PEDOT NTs to determine the optimal amount for NH3 sensing. We found that as the Ag NP concentration increased and passed a specific threshold amount, they aggregated and reduced the gas-sensing performance. Additionally, the gas response of Ag NPs/PEDOT NTs to NH3 was evaluated in depth.