Enhanced sensing performances of networked SnO2 nanowires by surface modification with atmospheric pressure Ar-O2 plasma

Networked SnO2 nanowire sensors were fabricated on a basis of a selective growth technique. Subsequently, Ar-O-2 plasma was applied in order to modify the nanowire surfaces. The NO2 sensing characteristics of the surface-modified SnO2 nanowires were compared to those of pristine SnO2 nanowires at an operating temperature of 300 degrees C. The results showed that the plasma treatment greatly enhanced the response as well as shortened the response and recovery times in SnO2 nanowire-based gas sensors. The enhancement is likely to result from an increase of active surface area for the adsorption of NO2 species by means of the plasma treatment. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.