Novel Sensing Approach for LPG Leakage Detection: Part I—Operating Mechanism and Preliminary Results

Abstract

Gas sensing technology has been among the topical research work for quite some time. This paper showcases the research done on the detection mechanism of leakage of domestic cooking gas at ambient conditions. Micro-electro mechanical systems-based interdigital sensors were fabricated on oxidized single-crystal silicon surfaces by the maskless photolithography technique. The electrochemical impedance analysis of these sensors was done to detect liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with and without coated particles of tin oxide (SnO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> ) in form of a thin layer. A thin film of SnO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> was spin-coated on the sensing surface of the interdigital sensor to induce selectivity to LPG that consists of a 60/40 mixture of propane and butane, respectively. This paper reports a novel strategy for gas detection under ambient temperature and humidity conditions. The response time of the coated sensor was encouraging and own a promising potential to the development of a complete efficient gas sensing system.