Sensor performance of nanostructured TiO2 thin films derived from particulate sol–gel route and polymeric fugitive agents

摘要: Abstract High specific surface area (SSA) nanocrystalline powders and dip-coated TiO 2 thin films have been prepared by a particulate sol–gel route with added polymeric fugitive agents (PFAs), namely trehalose dihydrate (THD), polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). One of the highest SSA reported in literature, obtained without PFA, was achieved (i.e., 181 m /g), value that could be increased up to 304 m /g, 274 m /g 200 m for PEG/TiO , HPC/TiO THD/TiO powders, respectively. Furthermore, crystallite size varied from 1 nm as-produced 4 nm heat-treated at 600 °C. Thin produced under optimised conditions showed excellent microstructural properties gas sensing applications. They exhibited stable reproducible response towards CO NO low operating temperature 200 °C. Calibration curves revealed all sensors followed power law ( S  =  A [gas] B ) (where is sensor response, coefficients are constants) two kinds gases they good capability detection concentrations (25 ppm 0.5 ppm ). Amongst sensors, CO ≤ 100 ppm  ≤ 2 ppm, whereas had CO > 100 ppm  > 2 ppm operated The both changed reaching maximum temperature. Moreover, decreased increasing film annealing magnitude time this work superior those previous studies. their consumption as result manifests potential industrial application.