Abstract

The transition from conventional bulk materials to materials with size- and shape-dependent surface properties such as nanostructured materials, nanoparticles, and thin films have opened the way to a new generation of gas sensors characterized by enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response. Thin films, with their unique properties, offering functionalized surfaces through precise control of parameters such as thickness, grain size, and composition, by selecting the proper substrate material and deposition methods can address these requirements. In this scenario increased surface-to-volume ratio of nanostructured thin films make them ideal for detecting a wide range of gases. Moreover, the reduced size facilitates cost-effective production processes and seamless integration into devices, enabling constant remote monitoring and wireless data collection. This study explores the use of thin films in gas sensors employing metal oxide semiconductors (MOXs). MOX sensors, particularly those based on SnO2, ZnO, and WO3, stand out for their high surface sensitivity and stability. Their chemiresistor behaviour, where electronic properties change upon the adsorption of gas molecules, enables precise detection of harmful gases by measuring variations in electrical resistivity. The possibility of operating at room temperature, together with a high sensitivity due to enhanced nanostructuring, represents a viable solution to the increasing demand for monitoring air pollution.

Autori

Eleonora Bolli, Alice Fornari, Matteo Mastellone, Raffaella Salerno, Veronica Valentini, Riccardo Polini, Antonio Santagata, Maria L. Pace, Alessandro Bellucci, Daniele M. Trucchi

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