Optical Fiber Relative Humidity Sensor Based on a FBG with a Di-Ureasil Coating

In this work we proposed a relative humidity (RH) sensor based on a Bragg grating written in an optical fiber, associated with a coating of organo-silica hybrid material prepared by the sol-gel method. The organo-silica-based coating has a strong adhesion to the optical fiber and its expansion is reversibly affected by the change in the RH values (15.0-95.0%) of the surrounding environment, allowing an increased sensitivity (22.2 pm/%RH) and durability due to the presence of a siliceous-based inorganic component. The developed sensor was tested in a real structure health monitoring essay, in which the RH inside two concrete blocks with different porosity values was measured over 1 year. The results demonstrated the potential of the proposed optical sensor in the monitoring of civil engineering structures.

Relation between ambient humidity and ionic conductivity of poly(thionaphtheneindole): Behaviour as an amperometric humidity sensor

The electrical characteristics of oxidized poly(thionaphtheneindole) were investigated as a function of ambient relative humidity (r.h.). The current flowing through a pressed pellet of material between two massive gold electrodes plotted against voltage gives a wave-shaped curve with a halfwave potential at V = similar to 3 V. The current recorded at 4 V (plateau of the wave) is a sigmoidal function of r.h, with the inflexion point at similar to 60%. An interpretation of these findings is given, based on the influence of water on the dielectric constant of the material and on acid-base equilibrium between poly(thionaphtheneindole) and water, from which protons are produced. The behaviour of poly (thionaphtheneindole) as the active component of an amperometric humidity sensor is also reported.

Structural and properties of nanocrystalline WO3/TiO2-based humidity sensors elements prepared by high energy activation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Soft-chemical synthesis, characterization and humidity sensing behavior of WO3/TiO2 nanopowders

Tungsten oxide/titania (WO3/TiO2) nanopowders were synthesized by the polymeric precursor method which varied the WO3 content between 0 and 10 mol%. The powders were thermally treated in a conventional furnace and their structural, microstructural and electric properties were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrometry, N 2 physisorption, NH3 chemisorption, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) in situ XANES and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and Raman spectrometry confirmed the homogeneous distribution of an amorphous WO3 phase in the TiO 2 matrix which stabilized the anatase phase through the generation of [TiO5·V0] or [TiO5·V 0] complex sites. Conventional TPR-H2 (temperature programmed reduction) along with XANES TPR-H2 and XANES TPR-EtOH showed that WO3/TiO2 sample reduction occurs through the formation of these complex clusters. Moreover, the addition of WO3 promoted an increase in the surface acidity of doped samples as revealed by NH3 chemisorption. The WO3/TiO2 bulk-ceramic samples were further used to estimate their potential application in a humidity sensor in the range of 15-85% relative humidity. Probable reasons that lead to the different humidity sensor responses of samples were given based on the structural and surface characterizations. Correlation between the sensing performance of the sensor and its structural features are also discussed. Although all samples responded as a humidity sensor, the W2T sample (2 mol% added WO3) excelled for sensitivity due to the increase in acid sites, optimum mean pore size and pore size distribution. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Synthesis by a chemical method and characterization of CaZrO3 powders: Potential application as humidity sensors

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Thermal inkjet printing of polyaniline on paper

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Crystallization study of SrSnO3:Fe

Alkaline earth stannates have recently become important materials in ceramic technology due to its application as humidity sensor. In this work, alkaline earth stannates doped with Fe3+ were synthesized by the polymeric precursor method, with calcination at 300 A degrees C/7 h and between 400 and 1100 A degrees C/4 h. The powder precursors were characterized by TG/DTA after partial elimination of carbon. Characterization after the second calcination step was done by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Results confirmed the formation of the SrSnO3:Fe with orthorhombic perovskite structure, besides SrCO3 as secondary phase. Crystallization occurred at 600 A degrees C, being much lower than the crystallization temperature of perovskites synthesized by solid state reaction. The analysis of TG curves indicated that the phase crystallization was preceded by two thermal decomposition steps. Carbonate elimination occurred at two different temperatures, around 800 A degrees C and above 1000 A degrees C.

Influence of Cu(II) in the SrSnO3 crystallization

Perovskite type oxides have been intensively studied due to their interesting optical, electrical, and catalytic properties. Among perovskites the alkaline earth stannates stand out, being strontium stannates (SrSnO3) the most important material in ceramic technology among them due to their wide application as dielectric component. SrSnO3 has also been applied as stable capacitor and humidity sensor. In the present work, SrSnO3:Cu was synthesized by polymeric precursor method and heat treated at 700, 800, and 900 A degrees C for 4 h. After that, the material was characterized by thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Results indicated three thermal decomposition steps and confirmed the presence of strontium carbonate and Cu2+ reduction to Cu+ at higher dopant amounts. XRD patterns indicated that the perovskite crystallization started at 700 A degrees C with strontiatite (SrCO3) and cassiterite (SnO2) as intermediate phases, disappearing at higher temperatures. The amount of secondary phase was reduced with the increase in the Cu concentration.

A sensor for monitoring the volume of nutrient in a solid substrate-based growth media by using electrochemical admittance spectroscopy

A sensor was fashioned to monitor the volume of nutrient in a solid substrate-based growth media by using electrochemical admittance spectroscopy. Several experimental parameters were investigated (i.e. The use of two- or three-electrode cells, the superficial area of the electrode, the amount of nutrient solution added to the growth media, and the influence of varying the dc and ac potential) to assess how these variables affect the admittance of the system. A linear correlation was observed between the maximum of the imaginary admittance and the volume of nutrient present. The response factor was 2.8 x 10(-5) S cm(-2) ml(-1) and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.54 ml. The humidity of the growth media does not change the response of the nutrient toward the monitoring measurements. These results demonstrate that the volume of nutrient in this solid substrate-based growth media can be assessed using a ceramic sensor to measure the imaginary admittance. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.