Physico-chemical contribution of gold metallic particles to the action of oxygen on tin dioxide sensors
Abstract
The role of a metal( gold) on the electrical response on tin oxide sensor was investigated thanks to the development of a particular test bench : it allows to separate the atmosphere surrounding SnO2 region in contact with gold electrode from the atmosphere in the region containing gold. This result associated with calorimetric tests indicates the creation of specific oxygen species at the metal-oxide interface. A qualitative physico-chemical model based on the electronic effect of these adsorbed species, resulting in the increase of space charge area is proposed.