(163d) Conductive Polythiophene/Zeolite Composites as Co and So2 Sensors

Conductive Polythiophene was synthesized by oxidation polymerization process using ferric chloride (FeCl3) as oxidizing agent. The polythiophene/zeolite composites were prepared by dry mixing method and then fabricated by hydraulic press. Three types of zeolites were used in this study; ZSM-5, Ferri erite, and 13-X. The electrical conductivity sensitivity toward CO and SO2 gasses was investigated for the effects of zeolite type and zeolite content. It was found that the electrical conductivity response and sensitivity of the composites appeared when exposed to both CO and SO2 gasses. The composites exhibited better response and sensitivity when exposed to CO. The highest sensitivity toward both gasses was found for polythiophene/40%wt ZSM-5 composite. Moreover, the response time of polythiphene/zeolite composites toward gasses can be improved as compare to pure polythiophene sample.