6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Effect of CuO doping on the structural properties of CeO2 nanofibers for selective detection of CH4 and ppb-level NO gas

9 Jul 2026, 14:40
20m
Lecture Hall GH1 (University of the Western Cape)

Lecture Hall GH1

University of the Western Cape

Oral Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Speaker

MAPHIA GIFT PHOLOANA (UNIVESITY OF FREE STATE)

Description

We report on the effect of CuO:CeO2 (0.25-1.0 wt.%) nanofibers for the selective detection of CH4 and ppb-level NO, prepared using a hydrothermal approach. The intrinsic features of the CuO:CeO2 nanofibers, including crystal structures, surface adsorption states, and chemical states, were examined. The sensing tests showed that among the fabricated sensors, the 1.0 wt.% CuO:CeO2-based materials displayed a superior response and selectivity towards 10 0000 ppm of CH4 and low ppb levels (0.001-0.1 ppm) of NO at 175 °C. The sensor displayed a low theoretical detection limit of 35 ppm and 0.00024 ppm (0.24 ppb) towards CH4 and NO, respectively. The capability of the CuO:CeO2 composite-based sensor to detect NO at low ppb levels is due to NO's high chemical reactivity, CeO2's redox activity, and the CuO effects on the CeO2 structure. Moreover, the enhanced sensing performance can be attributed to an improved surface area and increased surface defects, which, along with the synergistic effects of CeO2 and CuO, contribute to the effective relations of CuO:CeO2 nanocomposite, thereby modulating electron-hole dynamics and amplifying surface interactions with the analyte gases. The gas-sensing mechanism associated with the CH4, and NO detection is also discussed.

Keywords: CeO2, CuO, nanocomposite, nanofibers CH4, NO gas

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Author

MAPHIA GIFT PHOLOANA (UNIVESITY OF FREE STATE)

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