Synthesis and integration of metal oxide nanostructures for combustion and environmental monitoring

INOR 68

Randy L. Vander Wal, randy@rvander.grc.nasa.gov1, Gary W. Hunter2, Gordon M. Berger1, Jennifer C. Xu3, and Laura J. Evans3. (1) The Nanotechnology Laboratory, NCSER c/o NASA-Glenn, M.S. 110-3, 21000 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135, (2) Sensors and Electronics Branch, The NASA-Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd, M.S. 77-5, Cleveland, OH 44135, (3) The Sensors and Electronics Branch, The NASA-Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd, M.S. 77-1, Cleveland, OH 44135
Applications of chemical sensors include environmental monitoring, automotive applications, emission monitoring, and aerospace vehicle health monitoring. Adsorption of either oxidizing or reducing gases upon semiconducting metal oxide nanorods (in single crystal form) or nanofibers (in polycrystalline form) will increase or decrease the free charge carrier density (holes), thus increasing or decreasing the electrical conductance of the 1-d metal oxide form respectively. As nanomaterials, their surface/volume ratio is very high. With either single or polycrystalline forms, their size is likely to lead to complete depletion of carriers inside the nanorod or nanofiber, leading to high sensitivity. Both forms exhibit a 1-d morphology, with exposed crystallographic planes that are well-defined and resistant to sintering. In each case electrical response is being characterized by conductance measurements at a range of temperatures. The fundamental issue being explored is the effect of the active oxide nanostructure upon sensing properties.
 

Nanoscience - Characterization and Applications
9:00 AM-1:00 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 221, Oral

Division of Inorganic Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008