The Role of Zn Ions in the Structural, Surface, and Gas-Sensing Properties of SnO₂:Zn Nanocrystals Synthesized via a Microwave-Assisted Route

Autor(es)

da Silva, Luis F. ; Lucchini, Mattia A. ; Catto, Ariadne C. ; Avansi Jr., Waldir ; Bernardini, Sandrine ; Aguir, Khalifa ; Niederberger, Markus ; Longo, Elson

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: SENSORS; v. 24, n. 1, p. 13-pg., 2024-01-01.

Resumo

Although semiconducting metal oxide (SMOx) nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted attention as sensing materials, the methodologies available to synthesize them with desirable properties are quite limited and/or often require relatively high energy consumption. Thus, we report herein the processing of Zn-doped SnO2 NPs via a microwave-assisted nonaqueous route at a relatively low temperature (160 degrees C) and with a short treatment time (20 min). In addition, the effects of adding Zn in the structural, electronic, and gas-sensing properties of SnO2 NPs were investigated. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed the single-phase of rutile SnO2, with an average crystal size of 7 nm. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy measurements revealed the homogenous incorporation of Zn ions into the SnO2 network. Gas sensing tests showed that Zn-doped SnO2 NPs were highly sensitive to sub-ppm levels of NO2 gas at 150(degrees)C, with good recovery and stability even under ambient moisture. We observed an increase in the response of the Zn-doped sample of up to 100 times compared to the pristine one. This enhancement in the gas-sensing performance was linked to the Zn ions that provided more surface oxygen defects acting as active sites for the NO2 adsorption on the sensing material. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 13/09573-3 - Síntese e Caracterização de Heteroestruturas de ZnO/SnO2 obtidas pelo Método Hidrotermal: Aplicação como Sensores de Gás
• Beneficiário: Luís Fernando da Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Centro de Desenvolvimento de Materiais Funcionais
• Beneficiário: Elson Longo da Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Centros de Pesquisa, Inovação e Difusão - CEPIDs
• Processo FAPESP: 22/02927-3 - Sensores de gases baseados em semicondutores do tipo-n operando a temperatura ambiente: investigação do desempenho e dos mecanismos envolvidos
• Beneficiário: Luís Fernando da Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Projeto Inicial
• Processo FAPESP: 15/20124-1 - Semicondutores óxidos nanoestruturados: Síntese não-aquosa e propriedades sensoras.
• Beneficiário: Luís Fernando da Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Exterior - Estágio de Pesquisa - Pós-Doutorado