Chemical-recognition-driven selectivity of SnO2-nanowire-based gas sensors

The sensing capabilities of semiconducting metal oxide (SMO)-based gas sensors, which are a promising type of sensors, were improved in the present study using a novel method that enhanced gas selectivity toward various gas molecules. A simple and effective post-modification with functional self-assembled monolayer (SAM) molecules enhanced the selective sensing properties. The chemical-affinity-driven interaction between SAM and gas molecules enabled selective gas sensing, and the small size of SnO2 nanowires (NWs; diameter = similar to 50 nm) provided a large sensing area. Moreover, simple alteration of the chemical moiety in SAM molecules facilitated the tuning of SAM-induced selectivity over a broad range of collections. The binding of SAMs on the NWs was analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, with the selective gas sensing being investigated under various sensing conditions. The results from the molecular dynamics simulations supported the proposed selective sensing mechanism. The combination of passivation and selective gas sensing resulted in a simple method for the selective gas sensing of SnO2 NWs, and the concept could be generally expanded to other types of SMO-based sensing platforms. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study enhanced the sensing capabilities of semiconducting metal oxide-based gas sensors through a new post-modification method, improving gas selectivity; the chemical-affinity-driven interaction between SAM and gas molecules enabled selective gas sensing.