Introduction
In this experiment, we will determine the effect of ammonia gas on copper nanowire arrays. We will measure the change in resistance of the nanowire array after exposure to ammonia gas.
Aim
To determine the change in resistance of copper nanowire array after it comes into contact with ammonia gas.
Theory
1. Ammonia gas is a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen.
2. Copper nanowire array is an electrochemical sensor formed by the galvanic deposition of nitrate ions in water.
Copper Nanowire Array
Requirements
1. Copper Sulphate (CuSO4)
2. Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4)
3. Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4)
4. Water
5. Fume Hood
6. Sterile Glass Slides
7. Electrochemistry Array
8. Pressurized Tanks of Ammonia and Nitrogen
10. Silver Paste
11. Cyanoacrylate glue
12. Current amplifier
13. Multiple system computers with a multimeter program
14. 50 ml vial
Procedure
Step 1: Grow copper nanowire arrays in a solution. Copper nanowire acts as a microelectrode that gets charged with electrons emerging from hydrazine. This grows after the diffusion and limited addition of Cu(OH)2-.
Step 2: Expose the grown copper nanowire array into ammonia gas for 5 seconds.
Step 3: Test the change in resistance of the copper nanowire.
Step 4: Grow two different copper nanowire arrays, and with each array, take seven sample readings.
Step 5: Measure the resistance of each nanowire array after, during, and before coming into contact with ammonia gas.
Step 6: Also, measure the initial resistance of each array.
Step 7: Compare the resistance obtained with the initial resistance of the array.
Step 8: Record your observations.
Observation
1. When exposed to ammonia gas, the mean resistance of the copper nanowire array increased by 35. 5%.
2. The resistance was highly varied between a maximum of 105% and a minimum of 8%; it excluded one outlier of 301%.
Result
1. When a copper nanowire array was exposed in the absence of ammonia gas, it did not experience any change in resistance. Still, when it came into contact with ammonia gas, its resistance increased drastically.
2. Therefore, it becomes clear that in the presence of ammonia gas, the magnitude of resistance of copper nanowire arrays increases in a large variation.
Precaution
1. Wear gloves for performing this experiment.
2. Do not touch any chemicals unnecessarily.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly after getting done experimenting.
4. Record your observation precisely.
Conclusion
In this experiment, we have determined the effect of ammonia gas on copper nanowire arrays. And we have also measured the change in resistance of the copper nanowire array after coming into contact with ammonia gas.
VIVA Questions With Answers
Q.1 What was the aim of your experiment?
ANS. We aimed to measure the change in resistance of the copper nanowire array upon getting exposed to ammonia gas.
Q.2 What is the effect of ammonia gas on an array’s resistance?
ANS. When the copper nanowire array got exposed to ammonia gas, its resistance increased drastically.
Q.3. What is the formula for ammonia gas?
ANS. The formula of ammonia gas is NH3.
Q.4 How did you form the ammonia gas?
ANS. We formed ammonia gas by combining hydrogen and nitrogen. N2 + 3H2 2NH3

Saquib Siddiqui is a Mechanical Engineer with expertise in science projects and experiments. Saquib’s work focuses on integrating scientific concepts with practical applications, making complex ideas accessible and exciting for learners of all ages. In addition to his practical work, Saquib has authored several articles, research papers, and educational materials.
0 Comments