Wayne State University1, Physics, Detroit, MI 48201 Kettering University2, Physics, Flint, MI 48504 University of Michigan - Dearborn3, Physics, Dearborn, MI 48126
Due to special properties and enhanced performance, nanocrystalline composites are being explored for use in potential applications in gas sensors, solar energy conversion and photocatalysis. We report the properties of SnO2 – xFe2O3 (x = 0 to 1) nanocrystalline composite thin films grown by the spin-on metal organic decomposition (MOD) method using Fe and Sn ethyl hexanoate on sapphire substrates. The resulting films, on annealing at 600oC, are comprised of SnO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles, as evidenced by X-Ray diffraction and Raman spectra. Ultraviolet-visible spectra indicate a decreasing band gap of this composite from ~3.9eV to 2.25eV with increasing Fe2O3 concentration. These samples were also tested for response to CO gas in a nitrogen environment. Parameters such as annealing temperature, operating temperature and CO concentration were varied, showing an increase in sensitivity with operating temperature, and a decreasing sensitivity with increasing Fe2O3 concentration.
G. Setzler’s research was supported by NSF-REU grant EEC-0552772.
[Abstract (DOC)]