Investigations of V(2)O(5)-based LPG sensors

Sensor characteristics of V(2)O(5) dispersed on oxide supports such as Al(2)O(3), TiO(2) and ZrO(2) with respect to various gases and vapours including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have been investigated. Of all the systems studied, 20 mol% V(2)O(5) dispersed on ZrO(2) shows the highest sensitivity for LPG, the log sensitivity-log concentration (in ppm) plots being linear up to 1000 ppm or more. The sensitivity is not affected by humidity or recycling. Addition of P(2)O(5) to V(2)O(5) however destroys the sensitivity. Considering all aspects, 20 mol% V(2)O(5)/ZrO(2) is suggested for use as a practical LPG sensor. ESR spectroscopy indicates the formation of V(4+) species on exposure of V(2)O(5)/ZrO(2) or TiO(2) to LPG. In-situ high-temperature x-ray diffraction measurements show the formation of an unusual monoclinic form of VO(2) on exposure to LPG at 625 K which gets oxidized back to V(2)O(5) on exposure to air.