Study of a highly sensitive ammonia gas sensor based on a sputtered Ga-doped SnO 2 (GTO) thin film decorated with evaporated platinum nanoparticles

Abstract

An interesting ammonia (NH 3 ) gas sensor manufactured by the integration of a sputtered Ga-doped SnO 2 (GTO) thin film combined with evaporated platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) deposited on a sapphire substrate. The incorporation of Pt NPs is found to significantly enhance the sensor ' s performance in detecting NH 3 gas. Through a series of analyses, the sensor ' s fundamental compositional, elemental, and structural characteristics are meticulously examined, providing insight into its superior sensing capabilities. In this research, the steady -state current-voltage (I -V) and transient current-time (I -t) characteristics are meticulously quantified to investigate the relevant properties of NH 3 gas sensing thoroughly. Experimental, upon exposure to an atmosphere containing 1000 ppm NH 3 /air gas, the sensor demonstrates an exceptional sensing response of 5980, along with a response and recovery times of 115 seconds and 30 seconds, respectively, at an operational temperature of 275 degrees C. In addition, a lower NH 3 gas content of 0.1 ppm can be authentically detected for the produced sensor. The proposed sensor shows good sensing reproducibility toward NH 3 gas. An analytical examination of NH 3 molecule adsorption on the sensor ' s surface has been conducted to elucidate the phenomena associated with surface coverage. In addition to the advantages indicated above, the studied Pt NP/GTO-based sensor also exhibits a simple structure, easy fabrication, widespread detection ranging from 0.1 to 1000 ppm NH 3 in air, and costeffectiveness.