High sensitivity NO2 sensors for environmental monitoring produced using laser ablated nanocrystalline metal oxides

This paper presents results from a study of gas sensors produced using laser ablated nanocrystalline metal oxides. The devices have been tested for their potential use as NO2 detectors with particular emphasis on their potential cross sensitivity to NO. Subsequently, these SnO2 devices are compared with the gas sensing capabilities of other sensors made from In2O3 and WO3 prepared via a similar route. The investigation focussed on studying these sensors at low concentration levels with a view to environmental monitoring applications. Very high sensitivities to low NO2 levels together with fast response times have been observed for both SnO2 and In2O3 materials.