Room temperature CO2 gas sensors of AuNPs/mesoPSi hybrid structures

Mesoporous silicon (mesoPSi) layer prepared by a laser-assisted etching process in HF acid has been employed as CO2 gas sensors. The surface morphology of mesoPSi was modified by embedding gold nanoparticles AuNPs by simple and quick dipping process in different gold salts concentrations to form mesoPSi/AuNPs hybrid structures. Morphology of hybrid structures was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrical characteristics of the prepared gas sensor were carried out at room temperature. It was found that the nanoparticles size, shape and the specific surface area of the nanoparticle strongly influence the current-voltage characteristics. Considerable improvement was noticed in sensitivity, response and recovery times of gas sensor with decreasing incorporated AuNPs into the mesoPSi matrix.