Improvement in CO2 sensing characteristics using Pd nanoparticles decorated La2O3 thin films

La2O3 thin films are synthesized by spray pyrolysis method and decorated with palladium nanoparticles using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. The structural and morphological properties of La2O3 and Pd-La2O3 are studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. CO2 gas sensing properties of La2O3 and Pd-La2O3 are investigated at different operating temperatures and CO2 concentrations. La2O3 exhibited maximum response of 13% at 523 K upon exposure of CO2 gas (500 ppm) which is improved up to 28% after Pd decoration. Pd-La2O3 film shows more selectivity towards CO2 gas. Additionally, stability of Pd-La2O3 film has been studied. (C) 2017 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.