Nanostructured perovskite gas sensors prepared by high energy ball milling

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This proposal aims to exploit the unique structural features of nanostructured mixed oxides obtained by the high energy ball milling (HEBM) technique to develop high performance and low cost gas sensors. Gas sensors are widely used in different fields from domestic safety and process control to monitoring environmental pollutants and the automotive industry. Environmental concerns and the implementation of tougher legislation have led to greater demand for more and more sensitive and accurate sensors at an affordable cost. Recent research indicates that nanostructured metal oxides are becoming the key materials for the development of gas sensors with improved gas-sensing properties. The expected improvements are considerable due to their high surface area and small particle size. However, manufacturing techniques of such materials face challenges with respect to waste treatment, mass production and cost. HEBM is one of the synthesis techniques with proven marketable capabilities for fabrication of low cost and high performance oxide-based nanocatalysts. Innermost similarities between the catalysts and gas sensor functions let believe that HEBM is a suitable manufacturing route for oxide sensors as well. It is therefore the goal of this proposal to first prove the suitability of HEBM for sensor applications. The research projects will then focus on the synthesis and screening of a number of formulations to reveal the effect of process parameters and chemical compositions on the physicochemical and gas sensing properties of nanostructured oxides (namely perovskite structures with a general formula of ABO3). Finally, with a deeper understanding of process and material characteristics, we aim to optimise the oxide formulation and manufacturing process to develop sensors with favourable structures, high performance and at an affordable cost. At the completion of this program, it is expected that HEBM will be recognized as a suitable manufacturing technique for perovskite gas sensors and the technology will be transferred to Canadian industry; already active in the exploitation of similar technology in other application areas.