Microfluidically synthesized Au, Pd and AuPd nanoparticles supported on SnO2 for gas sensing applications

Monometallic Au and Pd nanoparticles (NPs) and homogeneous AuPd nanoalloy particles were synthesized in a continuous flow of reactants (HAuCl4, K2PdCl4, NaBH4 and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)) using a microfluidic reactor with efficient micromixers. The obtained ultrasmall NPs were subsequently deposited onto SnO2 supports with different surface area (32.7 and 3.6 m(2)g(-1)). Samples with 1.0 and 0.1 wt% metal loading were prepared. After calcination at 380 degrees C for 1 h the supported NPs aggregated to some extent. SnO2 supported AuPd nanoalloys with low (0.1 wt. %) metal loadings showed the smallest NP diameters ((similar to)5-7 nm) and the narrowest size distribution among the samples. The gas sensing performance of the materials was investigated at 300 degrees C in four different gas atmospheres containing either CO, CH4, ethanol or toluene using dry and humid conditions. They exhibited a distinct variation in the response patterns and selectivity toward the test gases depending on composition and metal loading: Au increased the sensor signals compared to pristine SnO2 in all cases and decreased the interference of water vapor; the supported Pd NPs showed a weak response to toluene, strong sensitivity in CO sensing and slightly better response in ethanol sensing in humid air compared to dry air. However, they showed a high selectivity toward CH4 when used in dry air; AuPd alloy particles provided lower sensor signals compared to pristine SnO2 and no remarkable CH4 selectivity, in contrast to the Pd system. Operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transformed spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and DC-resistance measurements indicate a strong band bending in the case of Pd and AuPd NPs, whereas in the case of Au no band bending occured, indicating a strong electronic interaction between the support and Pd-containing NPs (Fermi-level control mechanism), and a weak electronic interaction between SnO2 and Au NPs (spill-over mechanism).