Effect of Ti on the gas sensing characteristic of (Ti0.5Sn0.5)O2 solid solutions

In this work we report microstructure and gas sensing property of the pristine SnO2 and (Ti,Sn)O2 solid solutions prepared via the hydrothermal method. Of all the examined volatile organic compound gases, the (Ti,Sn)O2 solid solution exhibits somewhat lower gas response as compared to that of pristine SnO2. Further, we perform a first principles calculation to establish a surface model for solid solution and estimate its atomic configuration. The tightness of Ti6C(Sn6C)O2C bond and high oxygen vacancy formation energy for solid solution suggest that less amount of pre-adsorbed oxygen was formed on the surface, ultimately resulting in sensing performance weakening.

Graphical abstractA first principles calculation and experimental study on the gas sensing performances of Ti0.5Sn0.5O2 and its sensing mechanism were presented in current work.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► (Ti,Sn)O2 solid solution exhibits somewhat lower gas response than pristine SnO2. ► Surface model for solid solution has been established. ► Solid solution has relatively high oxygen vacancy formation energy. ► The tight bonding for Ti6C(Sn6C)O2C leads to less adsorbed oxygen formed on the surface.