Ni-CNT Chemical Sensor for SF(6) Decomposition Components Detection: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

SF(6) decomposition components detection is a key technology to evaluate and diagnose the insulation status of SF(6)-insulated equipment online, especially when insulation defects-induced discharge occurs in equipment. In order to detect the type and concentration of SF(6) decomposition components, a Ni-modified carbon nanotube (Ni-CNT) gas sensor has been prepared to analyze its gas sensitivity and selectivity to SF(6) decomposition components based on an experimental and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical study. Experimental results show that a Ni-CNT gas sensor presents an outstanding gas sensing property according to the significant change of conductivity during the gas molecule adsorption. The conductivity increases in the following order: H(2)S > SOF(2) > SO(2) > SO(2)F(2). The limit of detection of the Ni-CNT gas sensor reaches 1 ppm. In addition, the excellent recovery property of the Ni-CNT gas sensor makes it easy to be widely used. A DFT theoretical study was applied to analyze the influence mechanism of Ni modification on SF(6) decomposition components detection. In summary, the Ni-CNT gas sensor prepared in this study can be an effective way to evaluate and diagnose the insulation status of SF(6)-insulated equipment online.