Regeneration processes study on spray-pyrolyzed SnO2 thin films exposed to CO-loaded air

Results obtained on the electrical regeneration processes in SnO2 thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis when films are exposed into a CO atmosphere are presented. Electrical regeneration of the films, defined by the ratio between the resistance after a cycle and its initial resistance, was studied as a function of the partial pressure of CO, temperature, and different atmospheres. Heat treatments in vacuum, nitrogen, and argon help to recover the electrical properties of SnO2 thin films exposed to CO. The best values of the electrical regeneration of these films range from 84 to 95% for thermal treatments at 400 °C.