Characterization and Study of a Gas Sensor Based on SnO2 Pellets for Differentiation Biodiesel Blends

Abstract

SnO2 pellets with surface gold interdigitated electrodes was obtained and used in the differentiation of biodiesel blends. The tin oxide synthesis method was polymeric precursor with further thermal treatment at 500 °C to eliminate organic part, conformed and sintered at three temperatures: 700° (Sn1), 900° (Sn2) and 1100 °C (Sn3). The samples were studied by X-ray Diffraction, FEG-SEM (Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscopy), Raman spectroscopy and electrical sensing gas measurements. The characterization techniques confirm the phase cassiterite (tetragonal type rutile structure), and particles with aspects almost spherical with particles size among 30 and 90 nm, Raman vibrational modes are characteristic of tin dioxide in rutile phase. The sensorial measurements showed high sensitivity in the tests with mixtures biodiesel/Ethanol allowing to distinguish the blends, but not well distinguished the blend diesel/biodiesel.