Tin oxide nanocluster hydrogen and ammonia sensors

We have prepared sensitive hydrogen and ammonia sensors from thin films of tin nanoclusters with diameters between 3 and 10 nm. By baking the samples at 200 °C in ambient air the clusters were oxidized, resulting in very stable films of tin oxide clusters with similar diameters to the original Sn clusters. By monitoring the electrical resistance, it is shown that the cluster films are highly responsive to hydrogen and ammonia at relatively low temperatures, thereby making them attractive for commercial applications in which low power consumption is required. Doping of the films by depositing Pd on top of the clusters resulted in much improved sensor response and response times. It is shown that optimal sensor properties are achieved for very thin cluster films (a few monolayers of clusters).