Preparation and Application of TiO(2) Nanotube Array Gas Sensor for SF(6)-Insulated Equipment Detection: a Review

Since Zwilling and co-workers first introduced the electrochemical anodization method to prepare TiO(2) nanotubes in 1999, it has attracted a lot of researches due to its outstanding gas response and selectivity, making it widely used in gas detection field. This review presents an introduction to the sensor applications of TiO(2) nanotube arrays (TNTAs) in sulfur hexafluoride (SF(6))-insulated equipment, which is used to evaluate and diagnose the insulation status of SF(6)-insulated equipment by detecting their typical decomposition products of SF(6): sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), thionyl fluoride (SOF(2)), and sulfuryl fluoride (SO(2)F(2)). The synthesis and sensing properties of TiO(2) nanotubes are discussed first. Then, it is followed by discussing the theoretical sensing to the typical SF(6) decomposition products, SO(2), SOF(2), and SO(2)F(2), which analyzes the sensing mechanism at the molecular level. Finally, the gas response of pure and modified TiO(2) nanotubes sensor to SO(2), SOF(2), and SO(2)F(2) is provided according to the change of resistance in experimental observation.