The mixed oxide A12O3V2O5 as a semiconductor gas sensor for NO and NO2

Abstract

Several semiconductive oxides are tested as sensors for the detection of NO, NO₂, CO and CO₂. The conductivity of Al₂O₃V₂O₅ is sensitive to 1–1000 ppm of NO and NO₂, but is insensitive to CO or CO₂. The mixed oxide (Al₂O₃)_0.5(V₂O₅)_0.5 is excellent not only in its selectivity for detection of NO and NO₂ but also in its sensitivity. The amount of NO adsorbed is greatly enhanced, but that of CO is unaffected by mixing V₂O₅ with Al₂O₃. The high sensitivity of Al₂O₃V₂O₅ to NO and NO₂ appears to result from the increased amount of adsorbed nitrogen oxide.