The influence of precursor powders and processing parameters on the properties of SnO2-based gas sensors

Author: Ahmad A.   Walsh J.  

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

ISSN: 0022-2461

Source: Journal of Materials Science, Vol.38, Iss.21, 2003-11, pp. : 4325-4332

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Abstract

Semiconducting tin oxide precursor powders were synthesized via three different chemical processing routes. The influence of powder processing conditions on the physical properties, e.g., particle size, surface area and phase composition of both uncalcined and calcined materials, was investigated. These powders were used to fabricate gas sensors using thick-film screen-printing technology. The effect of precursor powders, sintering conditions, sensor temperature and Pd catalyst on the carbon monoxide, methane, propane and ethanol gas sensing characteristics of the sensors were investigated. Sensors were also fabricated using tin oxide powders obtained from a commercial source and their gas sensing properties were also investigated. The data indicates that the powder processing methodology, sensor fabrication conditions and Pd catalyst can profoundly influence the physical characteristics as well as the gas sensing properties of the sensors.