In this communication, we report the synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole/zirconia (PPy/ZrO2) nanocomposites by an in-situ chemical polymerisation method and their application as sensor for detection of ethene gas for the first time. The as-prepared PPy and PPy/ZrO2 nanocomposites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The nanocomposite containing 20 wt.% of ZrO2 was found to possess higher DC (direct current) electrical conductivity than PPy and the other PPy/ZrO2 nanocomposites. Sensing response was calculated on the basis of change in DC electrical conductivity. The most conductive nanocomposite was found to be highly sensitive and reversible to ethene gas. This study indicates an effective approach to possible future sensing technology for the detection of ethene gas.
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