Sensors and Sensor Networks: Design, Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Nanocomposite Semiconductor Gas Sensors

拟议的研究计划的主要目标是成功地证明使用一种新的合成方法制成的纳米复合SnO 2传感器的性能显着改善。 纳米颗粒的分级成核将用于使用多元素扩散燃烧器来制造掺杂有贵金属添加剂的高附加值的SnO 2传感器材料。 特别是，金纳米岛预计会产生显着增加传感器的灵敏度，由于极高的催化活性的Au在以前的研究中证明。 因此，Au/SnO 2系统将是研究工作的主要重点。 颗粒尺寸，Au负载和相对颗粒形态对传感器性能的影响将被定量确定。 高分辨率显微镜成像（例如扫描和透射电子显微镜结合元素分析方法）将用于表征材料特性。 粉末在气体传感器应用中的性能将在传感器时间响应、灵敏度、选择性和稳定性方面进行量化。 该研究的成果包括创造机械简单，快速时间响应，灵敏，选择性，稳定，有毒气体传感器，可以在大的温度范围内运行的潜力。 由于在内燃机系统中的应用，具有这些特性的NOx传感器是研究计划的一个特定焦点。 因此，更广泛的影响包括更精确地设计汽车尾气催化剂和相应的材料，并节省成本。

The primary objective of the proposed research program is to successfully demonstrate dramatically improved performance of nanocomposite SnO2 sensors made using a novel synthesis approach. Staged nucleation of nanoparticles will be used to make high-value-added SnO2 sensor materials doped with noble metal additives using a multi-element diffusion burner. In particular, gold nano-islands are expected to yield remarkable increases in sensor sensitivity due to the extremely high catalytic activity of Au demonstrated in previous studies. Therefore, the Au/SnO2 system will be the primary focus of the research effort. The effects of particle size, Au loading and relative particle morphologies on sensor performance will be quantitatively determined. High-resolution microscope imaging (e.g. scanning and transmission electron microscopy coupled with elemental analysis methods) will be used to characterize the materials properties. Performance of the powders in gas sensor applications will be quantified in terms of sensor time response, sensitivity, selectivity and stability. Outcomes of the research include the potential to create mechanically simple, rapid time response, sensitive, selective, stable, toxic-gas sensors that can be operated over a large temperature range. NOx sensors with these properties are a specific focus of the research program due to applications in internal combustion engine systems. The broader impacts therefore include more precise design of automotive exhaust gas catalysts and corresponding materials and costs savings.