Fabrication and gas sensing properties of pure and au-functionalised W03 nanoneedle-like structures, synthesised via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition method

Identifier:  TDX:1014

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX1014

Authors:  Stoycheva, Toni

Abstract:
In this doctoral thesis, it has been investigated and developed the Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD) method for direct in-situ growth of intrinsic and Au-functionalised nanostructured WO3, as well as SnO2-based devices for gas sensing applications. The nanostructured material synthesis, device fabrication and their gas sensing properties have been studied. AACVD method was used for synthesis and direct deposition of sensing films onto classical alumina and microhotplate gas sensor substrates, demonstrating the compatibility between the microhotplate fabrication process and the sensing nanostructured layer deposition. The effect of Au nanoparticles on the gas sensor’s response was measured and presented in this thesis. The test results revealed that the addition of Au nanoparticles to the WO3 nanoneedles has increased the sensor’s response towards the tested gases (i.e. EtOH). It was therefore demonstrated that the Au-functionalisation has an enhancing effect on the gas sensing properties of WO3 nanoneedles