Nanostructural palladium films for sensor applications

The composite films composed of palladium (Pd) nanocrystals and Pd–fullerenes nanocrystals obtained by physical vapor deposition (PVD) method were studied. These types of films can be applied as active material for sensor application.The films were prepared by PVD technique. They were deposited on different substrates and contained Pd in various concentrations. The structure and composition of the Pd films were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning probe microanalysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that these films were composed of Pd nanocrystals placed in Pd-C60 matrix.Changes of some electric properties of the film upon an influence of a toxic liquid have been characterized by DC electrical measurements. They were performed for different volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At 22 °C the electrical resistance was studied for VOC such as benzene and toluene.