Abstract

The design of efficient nanomaterials plays a crucial role in the optimization of next-generation gas sensors. Being able to tune and optimize the active materials easily and efficiently is so far the best way to increase their efficiency. In this regard, this research focuses on the development of functional and efficient tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles synthesized via reverse micelle deposition (RMD) method for potential chemiresistive gas sensing applications. While RMD is a well-established technique for nanoparticle synthesis in various fields, its application in gas sensing remains relatively unexplored. This study aims to extend the use of RMD, particularly PS-b-P2VP diblock copolymers, towards developing structurally tunable SnO2-based gas sensing materials. In this study, significant focus is placed on the synthesis and characterization of functional SnO2 nanoparticles prepared using RMD, with preliminary investigations carried out on their chemiresistive gas sensing performance towards ethanol vapours. Overall, alongside demonstrating PS-b-P2VP-assisted synthesis of SnO2-based gas sensors, this work also provides a proof of concept for applying this RMD technique to fabricate such similar gas sensor architectures in the future.