(08-09)

Topic: Development of Hydrogen

Sulphide gas sensor

Project By: Safiuddin Khan

.

Discipline: Chemical Engineering

(B.Tech).

Year: Final Year

OF
Calcutta Institute Of Technology

Guided By: Dr. Dipankar Bhattacharyay

 Acknowledgement

Firstly, I would like to convey my sincere gratitude

to my project guide Dr. Dipankar Bhattacharya for his kind attention
to impart this project successfully. I am fortunate enough to get a
project guide of highest level of knowledge , dedication and care.
Next, I would like to thank Prof. A. K. Biswas HOD Chemical
Engineering Department ,for his kind support and attention. Also, I
would like to thank all the beloved and respected faculty members and
the staffs of Chemical Engineering department.

-------------------------------
(Safiuddin Khan)

CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
 This is to certify that, the project entitled
“DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEN SULPHIDE GAS SENSOR”
has been carried out by B.Tech (Chemical Engineering) 8th
semester student.

Name Roll no.

Reg.No.

Safiuddin Khan 17706051018

177010611017 OF 2005-2006

We approve the project report only for the purpose for

which it is submitted.

_____________________

Head of the Department

(Dept. Name)
_______________________

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Project Guide

(Name of Head)
(Guide's Name)

Prof. A . K . BISWAS Dr.

Dipankar Bhattacharya
 Contents

 Introduction.

 Literature Review.

 Experimental.

 Methodology.

 Results.

 Discussion.

 Reference.
 INTRODUCTION

SENSOR
A sensor is a device that measures a physical/
chemical quantity and converts it into a signal
which can be read by an observer or by an
instrument.
The example of a most simple
chemical sensor is litmus paper, it identifies
whether a chemical is acidic or basic by its colour
change. On the other hand a pH paper, which is a
complex mixture of dyes, is used to estimate the
hydrogen ion concentration of a solution. The
advanced application of pH paper is pH- meter. It is
mainly used for the measurement of acidity. pH-
meter is an electrochemical device which detects
pH and gives the electrical response which is
detected by the digital read-out device.
 Our body consists of at least five
sensor. The nose works as a good quality gas
sensor, tongue senses the taste of different
substrates, ear is a vibration sensor, eyes are
colour sensor. Our fingers can be used to sense
temperature, physical characteristics of materials.

TYPES OF SENSOR
The sensors can be divided into three types,
they are as follows:-
(a) physical sensors are for measuring distance,
mass, temperature, pressure, etc.
(b)chemical sensors which measure chemical
substances by chemical or physical responses.
(c)biosensors which measure chemical substances
using biological sensing element.

In our project we will highlight mainly the

chemical(gas) sensor.
A chemical sensor is a device that responds
to a particular analyte in a selective way through
chemical reaction. It can be used for the qualitative
or quantitative determination of the analyte. Such
a sensor is used for detecting and measuring a
specific chemical substance or set of chemicals.

TRANSDUCER

The work of transducer is to send signal which

may be electrochemical , optical etc. to the signal
processor . They are also called the heart of sensor
.

They can be of four types types:-

(a) Electrochemical transducers.
(b) Optical transducers.
(c) Pizoelectric devices.
(d) Thermal sensors.

(a) Electrochemical transducers

 They can be again subdivided into following

subdivision:

Potentiometric

They involve measurement of the

e.m.f of the shell when there is no current
(zero current). E.m.f is proportional to the
logarithm of the concentration of the
substance to be
determined.

Voltammetric

An increasing (decreasing) potential

is
applied to the cell until oxidation (reduction)
of the substance to be analysed occurs and
there is a sharp rise (fall) in the current
which
gives a peak current. The height of the peak
current is in direct proportion to the
concentration of the electroactive material.

Amperometric
 If the exact oxidation (reduction)
potential is known, the analyst may apply the
potential across the working electrode and
observe the current generated.

Conductometric

Most of the reactions involve a

change in the composition of the solution.
This normally results in a change in the
electrical conductivity of the solution,
which.
Can be measured electrically.

Field effect Transistor based sensors

Minimization can sometimes be

achieved by constructing one of the above
types of electrochemical transducers on a
silicon chip- based field- effect transistor
(FET). This method is mainly used with
potentiometric sensors, but can also be
used with voltametric or conductometric
sensors.
(b) Optical Transducers

These have taken a new way of life with the

 development of fibre optics, thus allowing
greater flexibility and miniaturization. The
techniques used are mainly absorption
spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy,
luminescence spectroscopy, internal reflection
spectroscopy, surface plasmon spectroscopy
and light scattering.
(c) Piezo-electric Devices

These devices involve the production of electric

Currents from a vibrating crystal. The
frequency
of vibration is affected by the mass of the
material absorbed on its surface, which could
be related to changes in the concentration of
analyte. Surface acoustic wave devices are a
related system.
(d) Thermal Sensors

All chemical and biochemical processes

involve the production or absorption of heat.
This heat can be measured by sensitive
thermistors and thus can be related to the
amount of substance to be analyzed.
Few examples of different transducers used in
sensors are listed in Table 1.

Table1. List of various sensors

Sensor Transducer Reference

Organophosphoro Potentiometry Dutta, 2007

us based
pesticide/
carbamate based
pesticide
Heparin polyion Amperometry Langmaier, 2005
Galvinoxyl Cyclic Niermann, 2006
monolayers on voltammetry
Au(111)
Hexadecyltrimeth Conductometry Akbaş, 2006
yl ammonium
bromide in
aqueous solutions
DNA FET Kamahori, 2007
Process gas, Absorption Druy, 2006
water vapour spectroscopy
Glucose Fluorescence Fang, 2004
spectroscopy
Nitric oxide gas Internal reflection Vilar, 2006
spectroscopy
Nitrogen dioxide Surface plasmon El-Bosaty, 2006
(NO2) gas spectroscopy

Human IgG Light scattering Sørensen, 2006

interactions with
surface bound
protein A
Bacillus anthracis Piezo-electric Campbell, 2006

Blood glucose Thermistor Carlsson, 1996

Hydrogen sulphide gas sensor

Exposure to high hydrogen sulphide concentrations

can cause a serious health threat. Estimation of
hydrogen sulphide gas has potential application in
chemical industry and food industry. Sensors were
developed for estimation of hydrogen sulphide.
Hydrogen sulphide gas was estimated
potentiometrically based on its reaction with lead
acetate reagent.
 Potentiometric hydrogen sulphide gas sensor could
be made by using two-electrode disposable sensor.

Figure 1. Schematic layout of a sensor

LITRATURE REVIEW

Choi et al. [Choi, 2003] developed an optical sensor

for hydrogen sulphide using tetraoctylammonium
fluorescein mercury(II) acetate. Rodrguez-
Fernandez et al. [Rodrguez-Fernandez , 2002]
prepared a reversible optical fibre chemical sensor
for hydrogen sulphide monitoring in mouth air
based on reflectance measurement using 2,6-
dichlorophenolindophenol.
Able instruments and controls limited, Cutbush
Park, Danehill, Lower Earley, Reading. Berkshire.
RG6 4UT. United Kingdom., had developed a H2S
analyzer (Model Jerome 631-
XE, Figure 1.) using a patented gold film
sensor[Tamakia, J.,]

Any hydrogen sulphide in a sample is adsorbed by

the sensor which registers a proportional change in
electrical resistance[Shitashimaa, K.]. It offers an
analysis range of 0.003 - 50 ppm hydrogen
sulphide. Standard H2S sensors used in such
applications, are subject to cross sensitivity to
methanol and related alcohols that can give rise to
costly false alarms.
City Technology Ltd., Walton Road, Portsmouth,
Hampshire, PO6 1SZ, United Kingdom, announced
the launch of a new high sensitivity hydrogen
sulphide sensor, the 7HH/LM CiTiceL (Figure 2.3),
with reduced cross sensitivity to methanol. The
7HH/LM was suitable for a nominal Range of 0-
50ppm. It has a fast response time of less than 30
seconds, and excellent stability with a typical Drift
of less than 2% signal loss per month. It has an
extensive Operating Temperature range from -40°C
to +50°C[Ozdemira S. Issues 5-6, October-
December 2007].
A new procedure was proposed for the
sampling and storage of hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
and volatile thiols (methanethiol or methyl
mercaptan, ethanethiol and propanethiol) for their
determination by liquid chromatography
[Bramantia, 2006]. The sampling procedure was
based on the trapping/pre-concentration of the
analytes in alkaline aqueous solution containing an
organic mercurial probe p-
hydroxymercurybenzoate[Hoela, A. , Reyesa, L,28
March 2005].
Datalog Technology Inc., 5020 - 12A Street SE,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G 5K9, has developed
a dissolved hydrogen sulphide sensor based on
measurement of pH and pHS- of the
solution[Navalea, S.C. October 2007].
Dart sensors limited, Dart Marine Park, Totnes,
Devon, TQ9 5AL, England, has developed a
hydrogen sulphide sensor using a conventional
two-electrode fuel cell sensor. The sensor worked
on the basis of oxidation of carbonmonoxide to
carbon dioxide liberating two electrons per
molecule at the working electrode where they are
consumed at the counter electrode by the
reduction of oxygen. The circuit was completed by
ion flow within the electrolyte.
 EXPERIMENTAL

Reagents
(a) Hydrogen sulphide.
(b) Lead acetate.

Instrumentation
a)Multimeter.(MSTECH , MS8213C)
b)Sony Erricson camera(2megapixel), Model 530i.
c)Copper wire(as electrodes).
d)Crocodile clip.
e)Adobe photoshop 7.0 software (for colorometry).

Sensor Fabrication
 (a) Hydrogen sulphide.
(b) Lead acetate.

Preparation of Lead acetate solution:

A saturated solution of lead acetate was prepared in water

.

Instrumentation for potentiometry

The two terminals of multimeter was attached to the

copper wires using crocodile clips,The two wires
served as the two electrodes (namely anode and
cathode). Two rectangular strips of filter paper
(Whatman 40) (12 mm x 40mm) were attached to the
copper wire using glue (Fevistic, Fevicol India). This
arrangement (PSA) worked as the sensor. The setup is
shown in fig 2.

Fig 2. Setup for potentiometry

Instrumentation for colorimetry

 A rectangular strip (CSA ) of filter paper (Whatman 40)
(12 mm x 40mm) was soaked with lead acetate solution

Fig 3. Setup for colorimetry

METHODOLOGY
Potentiometric Analysis:

Hydrogen sulphide undergoes reaction ( Figure 4) with lead

acetate reagent to form a precipitate. As there is change in ionic
concentration at the working electrode potentiometry can be
employed for estimation of ammonia.

Lead acetate + H2S  Lead sulphide

FIGURE 4. Complexation reaction of Nessler’s reagent

The change in potential across the working electrode is

proportional to the concentration of ammonia in the
environment.

Colorimetric analysis:

Hydrogen sulphide undergoes reaction ( Figure 5) with lead

acetate to form a coloured precipitate. The colour varies from
brown to shiny black with increase in concentration of H2S.
Thus colorimetry can be employed for estimation of H2S.

Details of experiment:
Procedure:

Potentiometry
100µL lead acetate solution was added to the filter paper
of PSA. The change in voltage (V1) for 10 sec was
recorded. Then the filter paper was exposed to H2S of
known concentration for 10 sec. Again the change in
voltage (V2) for 10 sec was recorded. The differences in
the responses (V2-V1) gave the response due to
exposure of hydrogen sulphide.

Colorimetry

The filter paper (CSA) was exposed to H2S of known

concentration for 30 sec. The filter paper was
photographed using camera. The RGB values
corresponding to each pixel was analyzed using Adobe
Photoshop 7.0 software. The average values of Red,
Green and Blue components were calculated and the sum
of red, green and blue components were noted.

RESULTS
 Table2. Table for colorimetry

H2S,
ppm R G B RGB
0 255 255 255 765
756.364
0.0479 252.7841 251.8758 251.7044 2
0.0946 245.3163 240.0466 236.8474 722.2102
0.1358 241.3037 232.5242 226.18 700.0079
0.2222 223.8279 202.0039 188.0336 613.8654

Figure 5. Calibration curve by potentiometry

Figure 6. ,7.,8. & 9. represents the change in colour with respect
to change in ppm of hydrogen sulphide 0.0479 ppm,
0.1358 ppm & 0.2222 ppm respectively.

Figure 6. Response for 0.0479 ppm H2S

Figure 7. Response for 0.0946 ppm H2S

Figure 8. Response for 0.1358 ppm H2S

Figure 9. Response for 0.2222 ppm H2S

 Amount of H2S, ppm

Figure 10. Calibration curve for colorimetry

Figure 5 and 10 shows the response for potentiometric and
colorimetric analysis respectively.
 DISCUSSION

The novelty of the sensor is it’s simplicity.

 The sensor does not require any sophisticated
or costly in structure any highly trend personal
for analysis .
From the calibration curve any unknown
concentration of hydrogen sulphide can be estimated.
The system suffers from interference due to
ammonia.
 REFERENCE
Bramanti, E., D’Ulivo, L., Lomonte, C., Onor, M.,
Zamboni, R., Raspi, G., D’Ulivo, A., Determination
of hydrogen sulfide and volatile thiols in air
samples by mercury probe derivatization coupled
with liquid chromatography–atomic fluorescence
spectrometry, Analytica Chimica Acta, 579(1), 38-
46 (2006)

Choi, M.M.F., Hawkins, P., Development of an

optical hydrogen sulphide sensor, Sensors and
Actuators B: Chemical, 90(1), 211-215 (2003)

Hoela, A. , Reyesa, L. F. , Saukkob, S. , Heszler P.,

Lanttob V. and Granqvista C. G.
The Ångström Laboratory, Department of
Engineering Sciences, Uppsala University, P.O. Box
534, SE-75121, Uppsala, Sweden b Microelectronics
and Materials Physics Laboratories, University of
Oulu, P.O. Box 4500, FIN-90014, Oulu,
FinlandVolume 105, Issue 2, 28 March 2005, Pages
283-289

Navalea, S.C. ., Ravia, V., Mullaa, I.S. ,. Gosavib,

S.W., and. Kulkarnib S.K.,
Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, National
Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411008, India bDST
Unit on Nanoscience, Department of Physics,
University of Pune, Pune 411007, IndiaVolume 126,
Issue 2, 1 October 2007, Pages 382-386

Ozdemira S.,, and L. Golea, J.,

School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology,
Atlanta, GA 30332, United States bSchool of
Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of
Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United
StatesVolume 11, Issues 5-6, October-December
2007, Pages 92-100

Rodrguez-Fernandez, J., Pereiro, R., Sanz-Medel, A.,

Optical fibre sensor for hydrogen sulphide
monitoring in mouth air, Analytica Chimica Acta,
471(1) 13-23 (2002)

Shitashimaa, K., Maedab, Y., Koikeb, Y., and

Ohsumia, T.,
Central Research Institute of Electric Power
Industry, 1646 Abiko, Abiko City, Chiba 270-1194,
Japan bCERES, Inc., 1646 Abiko, Abiko City, Chiba
270-1166

Tamakia, J., Nakatayaa, Y., and Konishib, S.,

Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of
Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University,
Kusatsu-shi, Shiga 525-8577, Japan bDepartment
Micro System Technology, Faculty of Science and
Engineering, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu-shi,
Shiga 525-8577, Japan