Abstract
Synthesis and characterization of cadmium-doped nickel (Cd-Ni) nanocomposites integrated with polyaniline (PANI) for advanced ammonia (NH₃) gas sensing applications. The Cd-Ni nanocomposites were synthesized via a solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method, providing a facile and efficient route to obtain homogeneous materials. The composites were further incorporated with PANI to enhance their gas sensing properties. Structural, morphological, and compositional properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Gas sensing performance was evaluated at various NH₃ concentrations and operating temperatures. The Cd-Ni/PANI sensors demonstrated significantly enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response/recovery times compared to undoped NiO and Cd-Ni sensors. The improved gas sensing characteristics are attributed to the synergistic effects of cadmium doping and the conductive polymer matrix, which introduces additional active sites and modifies the electronic properties of the nanocomposite. These findings suggest that Cd-Ni/PANI composites are promising candidates for efficient and reliable NH₃ gas sensors, potentially advancing applications in environmental monitoring and industrial safety.