Gas sensing properties of catalytically modified WO3 with copper and vanadium for NH3 detection

Ammonia gas detection by pure and catalytically modified WO3 based gas sensor was analysed. The sensor response of pure WO3 to NH3 was not only rather low but also presented an abnormal behaviour, probably due to the unselective oxidation of ammonia to NOx. Copper and vanadium were introduced in different concentrations and the resulting material was annealed at different temperatures in order to improve the sensing properties for NH3 detection. The introduction of copper and vanadium as catalytic additives improved the response to NH3 and also eliminated the abnormal behaviour. Possible mechanisms of NH3 reaction over these materials are discussed. Sensor responses to other gases like NO2 or CO and the interference of humidity on ammonia detection were also analysed so as to choose the best sensing element.