Preparation and characterization of nanosized titania sensing film

Thick films based on nanosized titania powders have been prepared and characterized. Addition of suitable dopant affected film evolution upon annealing as both anatase-rutile phase transition and grain growth are inhibited. Ta and Nb addition to the TiO2 powder proved effective for stabilization of the nanophase, as the average grain size was reduced from 110 to 35 and 45 nm, respectively. Electrical measurements indicated selectivity enhancement towards CO and required film preparation to stabilize the film's grain size below 50 nm. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.