Nonaqueous Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Semiconducting Metal Oxides for Gas Sensing

Abstract

Superior crystallinity and good yields are found for SnO2 and In2O3 (see HRTEM image) semi-conducting metal oxide nanocrystals prepared by a non-aqueous approach involving the reaction of a metal alkoxide with benzyl alcohol. The sensor devices fabricated just by deposition of the as-synthesized nanoparticles showed the high sensitivity and good recovery time required for technological applications.