Conductive polythiophene/zeolite composites as CO and SO2 sensors

Abstract

Conductive Polythiophene was synthesized by oxidation polymerization process using ferric chloride as oxidizing agent. Three types of zeolites were used, i.e., ZSM-5, Ferrierite, and 13-X. The electrical conductivity response and sensitivity of the composites appeared when exposed to 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. The response time of polythiphene/zeolite composites toward gasses could be improved as compare to pure polythiophene sample. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 2006 AIChE Annual Meeting (San Francisco, CA 11/12-17/2006).