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Updated: May 24, 2026
Aerosol-assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition of Metal Oxide Structures: Zinc Oxide Rods
Published on: September 14, 2017
Synthesis methods, microscopy characterization and device integration of nanoscale metal oxide semiconductors for gas
Randy L Vander Wal1, Gordon M Berger, Michael J Kulis
1Penn State University, Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, The Energy Institute and The Penn State Institutes of Energy and The Environment (PSIEE), 203 Hosler Bldg. University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Abstract:
A comparison is made between SnO(2), ZnO, and TiO(2) single-crystal nanowires and SnO(2) polycrystalline nanofibers for gas sensing. Both nanostructures possess a one-dimensional morphology. Different synthesis methods are used to produce these materials: thermal evaporation-condensation (TEC), controlled oxidation, and electrospinning. Advantages and limitations of each technique are listed. Practical issues associated with harvesting, purification, and integration of these materials into sensing devices are detailed. For comparison to the nascent form, these sensing materials are surface coated with Pd and Pt nanoparticles. Gas sensing tests, with respect to H(2), are conducted at ambient and elevated temperatures. Comparative normalized responses and time constants for the catalyst and noncatalyst systems provide a basis for identification of the superior metal-oxide nanostructure and catalyst combination. With temperature-dependent data, Arrhenius analyses are made to determine activation energies for the catalyst-assisted systems.
