A study of the SnO2·Nb2O5 system for an ethanol vapour sensor: a correlation between microstructure and sensor performance

Nanometric SnO2·Nb2O5 powders were studied with the purpose of developing an ethanol sensor. The powders were prepared by the Pechini method, morphologically characterised by X-ray diffraction, and their specific surface area determined by BET, after which they were subjected to ethanol vapour sensitivity tests. A correlation was established between the microstructure of the material, the effects of the dopant and the sensors response.