Biosynthesized CuO Nanoparticles Show Promising Sensitivity to Ethanol Vapors

Strategic Insights -

Investigators at the Faculty of Sciences, Ibnou Zohr Univ, have successfully biosynthesized CuO nanoparticles using an eco-friendly plant-mediated route. These nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional sensitivity and selectivity to ethanol vapors, outperforming comparable materials while employing a greener synthesis method. The sensor's response and recovery times ranged from 4 to 8 minutes, with prolonged recovery attributed to diffusion-limited desorption processes.

Key Takeaways:

  • CuO nanoparticles were biosynthesized via an eco-friendly plant-mediated route, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses.
  • The biosynthesized CuO sensor exhibited a pronounced response to ethanol vapor, with sensitivity increasing from 421 to 3000% for ethanol concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 ppm at an optimal operating temperature of 240°C.
  • Characteristic p-type semiconductor behavior was observed, with sensor resistance increasing upon ethanol exposure.
  • Cross-sensitivity tests showed responses of 571%, 400%, and 30% for 30 ppm of ethanol, acetone, and benzene, respectively.
  • Monte Carlo simulations supported the adsorption affinity order of ethanol acetone benzene on the CuO surface, attributed to stronger hydrogen bonding and surface interactions with ethanol molecules.
  • The biosynthesized CuO sensor outperformed comparable materials in ethanol sensitivity while employing a greener synthesis method.
  • Response and recovery times ranged from 4 to 8 min, with the prolonged recovery attributed to diffusion-limited desorption processes.

Statistics:

  • Sensitivity of the CuO sensor increased from 421 to 3000% for ethanol concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 ppm.
  • Cross-sensitivity responses were observed at 571%, 400%, and 30% for 30 ppm of ethanol, acetone, and benzene, respectively.
  • Response and recovery times ranged from 4 to 8 minutes.

Sources:

  • Eco-friendly Synthesis of Cuo Nanoparticles for Voc Sensing: Experimental and Theoretical Insights. Ionics, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Findings from Faculty of Sciences in the Area of Nanoparticles Described (Eco-friendly Synthesis of Cuo Nanoparticles for Voc Sensing: Experimental and Theoretical Insights). Nanotechnology Weekly, July 28, 2025.