Inverse and distorted Co2SnO4 cubic spinel thin films for dimethylamine detection at room temperature

The widespread presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a threat to human health and environmental air quality. Dimethylamine is a highly toxic amine, which can directly affect the human respiratory system. To eliminate health risks, dimethylamine gas sensors are essential. Higher operating temperatures and poor selectivity inhibit binary metal oxides as sensing elements. In this work, inverse spinel cobalt tin oxide (Co2SnO4) thin films were deposited by the chemical spray pyrolysis method. Various phases have been addressed by the annealing conditions. Interestingly, the ordered inverse spinel turns into a disordered spinel by increasing the annealing temperature. All films were subjected to dimethylamine sensing, and the ordered inverse spinel porous nanograin Co2SnO4 thin films showed an excellent gas response of 193.53 +/- 2.7 standard deviations at 100 ppm at room temperature, which demonstrates its potential use as a dimethylamine gas sensor.

Automated summary

The presence of VOCs poses a threat to human health and air quality. Dimethylamine, a highly toxic amine, can directly impact the respiratory system. To address health risks, dimethylamine gas sensors are necessary. However, binary metal oxides face limitations in terms of operating temperatures and selectivity. This study deposited inverse spinel cobalt tin oxide (Co2SnO4) thin films using the chemical spray pyrolysis method. The annealing conditions were adjusted to control the phases. Interestingly, the ordered inverse spinel transformed into a disordered spinel at higher annealing temperatures. The ordered inverse spinel porous nanograin Co2SnO4 thin films exhibited an excellent gas response of 193.53 +/- 2.7 standard deviations at room temperature, signifying their potential use as dimethylamine gas sensors.