Au-Embedded SnO2 Nanocomposite for Gas Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques lack the ability to freely control nano-sized quantum structures and induce significant changes in their units, limiting their applications in devices such as switches, light emitting devices, and gas sensors.

Innovation Solution

A peapod-shaped Au-embedded SnO2 nanocomposite is created using flame chemical vapor deposition (FCVD), with Au particles buried between SnO2 and SnO2-x layers, forming a triple-layer structure that enhances surface/interface reactions and gas sensing indexes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional Au-adsorbed SnO2 nanocomposites are used, then the structure is simple with two layers, but the surface energy is insufficient and gas sensing performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas sensing performanceVSAvoidnanocomposite structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nanocomposite is segmented into three distinct layers: an inner SnO2 layer, a middle Au nanoparticle layer, and an outer SnO2-x layer. This segmentation creates two contact interfaces (SnO2/Au and Au/SnO2-x) that enhance surface energy and improve gas sensing performance compared to conventional two-layer structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite material structure combining SnO2, Au, and SnO2-x in a triple-layer configuration. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of different materials to achieve superior gas sensing characteristics, including enhanced surface energy and modified conduction channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If flame chemical vapor deposition (FCVD) is used to create triple-layer structure, then surface energy increases and gas sensing improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface energyVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The FCVD process utilizes phase transitions of organic materials containing Au and metal salts. By instantly vaporizing these organic materials through flame heating, Au nanoparticles are deposited onto the SnO2 nanowire surface, followed by formation of the SnO2-x outer layer, creating the triple-layer structure in a controlled manner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or physical deposition methods with flame chemical vapor deposition. This substitution allows for precise control of the triple-layer formation through chemical reactions driven by flame heating, achieving better surface energy and structural control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If Au particles are buried between SnO2 layers, then conduction channels change and sensitivity increases, but control of quantum structures becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidcontrol of quantum structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The Au nanoparticles are locally positioned within the SnO2 matrix, embedded between the inner SnO2 layer and outer SnO2-x layer. This local placement modifies conduction channels specifically at the Au-SnO2 interfaces, enhancing sensitivity without requiring global restructuring of the entire nanocomposite.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including the oxidation state of the outer layer (SnO2-x where 0 < x ≤ 2), the size and distribution of Au nanoparticles, and the thickness of SnO2 layers. These parameter changes control the quantum structures and conduction channels to achieve enhanced sensitivity and response characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The Au-embedded SnO2 nanocomposite exhibits improved gas sensing performance with increased surface energy and changed conduction channels, offering superior sensitivity and response times compared to conventional nanocomposites.

Implementation Method 1

adsorbing the Au on the SnO2 nanowire by instantly vaporizing the organic materials, except for the Au, by flame chemical vapor deposition (FCVD)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Vapor Deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

instantly vaporizing the organic materials, except for the Au, by flame chemical vapor deposition (FCVD)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

Au is adsorbed on a SnO2 nanowire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11867675B2Nanocomposite comprising two-dimensional nano thin films formed on AU nanoparticle surface and method for manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 IND ACADEMIC COOP FOUND YONSEI UNIV

AI summary

According to embodiments of the disclosure, a gold (Au)-embedded triple-layer SnO2 nanocomposite comprises three layers of SnO2—Au—SnO2−x (0<x<2), wherein the Au is buried between the SnO2 and SnO2-x (0<x<2) layers. Also provided is a method for manufacturing the AU-embedded SnO2 nanocomposite.