Temperature enhanced gas sensing properties of diamond films

Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) film was used as a functional part of gas sensor. The gas sensing properties of H-terminated nanocrystalline diamond films were examined to oxidizing gases (i.e., COCl2 and humid air). Pronounced increase in the surface conductivity (3 orders of magnitude) was found after sensor exposure to phosgene gas and was explained by the surface transfer doping effect. We also present a possible way how to achieve sensor selectivity, i.e. how to distinguish between phosgene and humid air (the mostly present background gas in a common environment). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.