Nanostructured TiO(2)-based gas sensors with enhanced sensitivity to reducing gases

2D TiO(2) thin films and 3D flower-like TiO(2)-based nanostructures, also decorated with SnO(2), were prepared by chemical and thermal oxidation of Ti substrates, respectively. The crystal structure, morphology and gas sensing properties of the TiO(2)-based sensing materials were investigated. 2D TiO(2) thin films crystallized mainly in the form of rutile, while the flower-like 3D nanostructures as anatase. The sensor based on the 2D TiO(2) showed the best performance for H(2) detection, while the flower-like 3D nanostructures exhibited enhanced selectivity to CO(CH(3))(2) after sensitization by SnO(2) nanoparticles. The sensor response time was of the order of several seconds. Their fast response, high sensitivity to selected gas species, improved selectivity and stability suggest that the SnO(2)-decorated flower-like 3D nanostructures are a promising material for application as an acetone sensor.