Modeling effects of sensor response of semiconducting oxide with functionalized nanoparticles

Resumo

Compliance with ever more stringent emissions regulations requires the development of reliable, sensitive, selective, fast responding, and cost-effective sensors. Nanotechnoiogy, given its ability to offer large increases in effective active area and functional interfaces, promises to overcome many of the limitations of conventional sensor devices. Semiconducting oxides serve as the basis of highly sensitive, cost effective and harsh environment compatible gas sensors. However, they commonly suffer from aging and inadequate selectivity and reproducibility. Progress is hindered by an inadequate understanding of the relationship between gas chemisorption, on the one hand, and the electronic, crystal, defect and micro- structure of the semiconductor, on the other. In this project, the Brazilian team brings advanced capabilities in synthesizing and characterizing such materials with controlled size, shape, morphological characteristics and chemical composition while the MIT team brings to bear complementary methods of sensor characterization and modeling. The exchange of personnel serves to educate students from both institutions on the often complex issues that arise in applying basic science towards solve technological challenges. Efforts initiated in 2010, including extended exchange of personnel, have exceeded the expectations of the Brazil-MIT collaborators by leading to breakthroughs in sensor performance and characterization and publications in high visibility journals. The proposed research will build on this strong foundation. (AU)