Reactivity of SnO2–CuO nanocrystalline materials with H2S: a coupled electrical and Raman spectroscopic study

Nanocrystalline CuO-doped SnO2 powders produced by different ways have been subjected to H2S at 100°C. As for pure SnO2, the reversible formation of SnSx was deduced from Raman spectra and correlated with the changes in electrical resistance. When the initial resistance of the sample was high, adsorbed SO4 was observed, and in this case only, the reversible formation of Cu2S. These various phenomena are discussed in the light of thermodynamic data and the influence of powder preparation is emphasized.