Combination of tailored acid-base and red/ox properties of nanocrystalline SnO2 for optimal gas sensor performance: Principle applicability study on NH3 and H2S examples

The work presents feasibility study of theoretical concept, connecting semiconductor metal oxide chemistry and its gas sensor properties on the nanocrystalline SnO₂ example. It is shown, that materials surface chemistry simultaneous modification by metal oxide structure dopants and deposition of catalytic components on the surface can be made in order to alter both gas molecule adsorption and conversion. It is achieved through controlled changes in materials surface acidity and Red/Ox activity. The approach allows improvement of materials sensitivity and selectivity of response at the same time and could be used as basis for development of sensors series (array), applicable in particular gas analysis task.