"Fast recovery and ultrasensitive net-graphene sensor for monitoring SF" by Pedro Elias Priori Spalenza, Fábio Arthur Leão de Souza et al.
 

Fast recovery and ultrasensitive net-graphene sensor for monitoring SF6 decomposition by-products

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-30-2025

Department

Department of Physics

Abstract

Power industry insulator sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) has excellent dielectric properties. However, SF6 decomposes into by-products over time, making their detection essential for power device evaluation and fault prevention. Recently, 2D materials, especially carbon-based ones, have become excellent gas sensing platforms, expected to lead the next generation of sensors. Because graphitic materials and SF6 decomposition products have weak van der Waals interactions, functionalization has been the most promising way to improve surface-molecule interactions, but it also presents experimental challenges. We propose monitoring SF6 degradation with a pristine net-graphene nanosensor to address these issues. Here, density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's functions methods are used to study the interaction between net-graphene device and gas-insulated switchgear atmosphere gas (SF6, CO2, N2, H2O, and O2), as well as the decomposition products of SF6. These molecules are physisorbed on net-graphene, causing p-type doping in the device. The system's conductance is modulated by molecule-net-graphene interactions, allowing target molecule detection and identification. We propose a field-effect device that can sense SO2 and H2S without cross-selectivity and with a fast recovery time. It is also resistant to O2 and H2O degradation. We found that net-graphene is a promising nanomaterial for real-time monitoring of power industry SF6 decomposition by-products.

Publication Title

Applied Surface Science

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