Investigations on the effect of gamma-ray irradiation on the gas sensing properties of SnO₂nanoparticles

Abstract

In recent years, SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been subjected to various modifications in order to improve their performance in sensing and other applications. Here, we report the synthesis of SnO2 NPs by microwave irradiation, and subsequent exposure to gamma (γ) radiation at different doses (0-150 kGy) to induce desirable physico-chemical properties. The irradiated samples were characterized by x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM and HR-TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) to evaluate the effect of γ-ray irradiation on their morphology and microstructure. The results revealed that the bulk crystal structure remained unchanged after irradiation, while the existence of defects and a damaged over-layer have been confirmed by PL and HR-TEM respectively. The influence of γ-irradiation on the electrical and CO sensing characteristics was also investigated in the temperature range between 150 and 400 °C. γ-irradiated SnO2 NP based resistive sensors showed better CO sensing characteristics (i.e. higher response and lower working temperature) compared to non-irradiated SnO2. Upon optimizing the γ-ray dose irradiation level and working temperature, a ten-fold enhancement in the response to CO has been achieved (R/R 0 = 12 to 50 ppm of CO in air) in 50 kGy irradiated SnO2 NP based sensors operating at 150 °C. A possible mechanism for the enhanced sensing performance of γ-irradiated SnO2 NPs has been proposed.

Gamma irradiation induced surface plasmon resonance of Cu nanoparticles in fullerene C60

“…The interstitial and lattice defects can also be observed by gamma irradiation but with different mechanisms. Thus, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of any irradiated material can be altered through ionizing radiation 24–26 . Gamma irradiation is preferred over low‐energy ion irradiation to induce SPR due to the very high cost of low‐energy ion accelerator.…”

“…Thus, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of any irradiated material can be altered through ionizing radiation. [24][25][26] Gamma irradiation is preferred over low-energy ion irradiation to induce SPR due to the very high cost of low-energy ion accelerator. Currently, to study the comparative properties of pristine C 60 and Cu C 60 nanocomposite, both the films are irradiated at the same dose of gamma rays to investigate the effect of gamma irradiations.…”

A Novel X-Ray Radiation Sensor Based on Networked SnO2 Nanowires

“…In particular, they can be used for high-energy radiation sensors. In fact, the radiations with a high energy like gamma rays and X-rays can alter the concentration of oxygen vacancies and also create point defects and other structural defects in MOs [8]. Therefore, metal oxides can be used for the detection of high-energy radiation [9].…”

Effect of E-Beams Irradiation Dose on the Sensing Properties of Pt-Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxides Following Annealing of the 6 nm-Thick Pt Layer

“…In addition, exposure to high levels of radiation leads to significant changes in the electrical characteristics of metal oxides. In particular, there are two important effects of e-beam radiation: these are transient effects due to electron-hole pair generation and permanent effects which change the crystal lattice of the material [37].…”

“…Radiation can also lead to the segregation and diffusion of atoms, leading to phase segregation and voids. Accordingly, e-beam radiation can be used to modify the physical and chemical properties of the irradiated material [37].…”