Influence of solvents on sol-gel deposited SnO2 gas-sensitive film formation

Abstract

The surface topography of sol-gel deposited SiO2-SnO2 nanocomposite films obtained by using different solvents as well their optical and gas sensing properties were investigated. An approach based on the theory of fractals was used to quantify the nanostructure of sol-gel deposited films. Optical properties were measured in the UV/VIS ranges. Film properties such as Urbach energy and optical energy gap were analyzed. Basic gas sensitive characteristics (sensitivity, response and recovery time) of were derived.