The Structure and Behavior of Platinum in SnO 2 ‐Based Sensors under Working Conditions

Micellar Nanoreactors Enabled Site-Selective Decoration of Pt Nanoparticles Functionalized Mesoporous SiO2 /WO3-x Composites for Improved CO Sensing

Site-selective and partial decoration of supported metal nanoparticles (NPs) with transition metal oxides (e.g., FeOx ) can remarkably improve its catalytic performance and maintain the functions of the carrier. However, it is challenging to selectively deposit transition metal oxides on the metal NPs embedded in the mesopores of supporting matrix through conventional deposition method. Herein, a restricted in situ site-selective modification strategy utilizing poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polystyrene (PEO-b-PS) micellar nanoreactors is proposed to overcome such an obstacle. The PEO shell of PEO-b-PS micelles interacts with the hydrolyzed tungsten salts and silica precursors, while the hydrophobic organoplatinum complex and ferrocene are confined in the hydrophobic PS core. The thermal treatment leads to mesoporous SiO2 /WO3-x framework, and meanwhile FeOx nanolayers are in situ partially deposited on the supported Pt NPs due to the strong metal-support interaction between FeOx and Pt. The selective modification of Pt NPs with FeOx makes the Pt NPs present an electron-deficient state, which promotes the mobility of CO and activates the oxidation of CO. Therefore, mesoporous SiO2 /WO3-x -FeOx /Pt based gas sensors show a high sensitivity (31 ± 2 in 50 ppm of CO), excellent selectivity, and fast response time (3.6 s to 25 ppm) to CO gas at low operating temperature (66 °C, 74% relative humidity).

Rhodium Single-Atom Catalyst Design through Oxide Support Modulation for Selective Gas-Phase Ethylene Hydroformylation

A frontier challenge in single-atom (SA) catalysis is the design of fully inorganic sites capable of emulating the high reaction selectivity traditionally exclusive of organometallic counterparts in homogeneous catalysis. Modulating the direct coordination environment in SA sites, via the exploitation of the oxide support's surface chemistry, stands as a powerful albeit underexplored strategy. We report that isolated Rh atoms stabilized on oxygen-defective SnO₂ uniquely unite excellent TOF with essentially full selectivity in the gas-phase hydroformylation of ethylene, inhibiting the thermodynamically favored olefin hydrogenation. Density Functional Theory calculations and surface characterization suggest that substantial depletion of the catalyst surface in lattice oxygen, energetically facile on SnO₂ , is key to unlock a high coordination pliability at the mononuclear Rh centers, leading to an exceptional performance which is on par with that of molecular catalysts in liquid media.

Origin of the High Selectivity of the Pt-Rh Thin-Film H2 Gas Sensor Studied by Operando Ambient-Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy at Working Conditions

The Pt-Rh thin-film sensors exhibit excellent sensitivity and selectivity for H₂ gas detection. Here, we studied the mechanism of highly selective detection of H₂ by the Pt-Rh thin-film sensors with ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) measurements at working conditions, which were paralleled with electric resistivity measurements. The elemental composition and chemical state of surface Pt and Rh drastically change depending on the background gas environments, which directly link to the sensor response. It is revealed that surface segregated Pt atoms accelerate dissociative adsorption of H₂, resulting in a reduction of the sensor surface and then a decrease of electric resistivity of the film, whereas a thin oxidized Rh layer blocks dissociation of the other reducing agent, that is, NH₃. This is supported from the adsorption energetics obtained by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Structure of Atomically Dispersed Pt in a SnO2 Thin Film under Reaction Conditions: Origin of Its High Performance in Micro Electromechanical System Gas Sensor Catalysis

A battery-driven micro electromechanical system (MEMS) gas sensor has been developed for household safety when using natural gas. The heart of the MEMS gas sensor is a 7.5 at % Pt-SnO₂ thin film catalyst deposited on the SnO₂ sensor layer. The catalyst enhances the sensitivity to methane, though its structure under working conditions is unclear. In this study, in situ XAFS was applied to a 7.5 at % Pt-SnO₂ catalyst layer deposited on a Si substrate, and we demonstrated that atomically dispersed Pt maintains its lattice position in SnO₂ with a small loss of surrounding lattice oxygen in the presence of 1% CH₄ and a more reducing gas of 1% H₂ at the reaction temperature (703 K), i.e., no Pt aggregation is observed. The lost oxygen is easily recovered by re-oxidation by air. This work has revealed that the atomically dispersed Pt in the SnO₂ lattice is the active structure and it is stable even under reaction conditions, which guarantees a long lifetime for the gas sensor.

X-ray studies bridge the molecular and macro length scales during the emergence of CoO assemblies

The key to fabricating complex, hierarchical materials is the control of chemical reactions at various length scales. To this end, the classical model of nucleation and growth fails to provide sufficient information. Here, we illustrate how modern X-ray spectroscopic and scattering in situ studies bridge the molecular- and macro- length scales for assemblies of polyhedrally shaped CoO nanocrystals. Utilizing high energy-resolution fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we directly access the molecular level of the nanomaterial synthesis. We reveal that initially Co(acac)3 rapidly reduces to square-planar Co(acac)2 and coordinates to two solvent molecules. Combining atomic pair distribution functions and small-angle X-ray scattering we observe that, unlike a classical nucleation and growth mechanism, nuclei as small as 2 nm assemble into superstructures of 20 nm. The individual nanoparticles and assemblies continue growing at a similar pace. The final spherical assemblies are smaller than 100 nm, while the nanoparticles reach a size of 6 nm and adopt various polyhedral, edgy shapes. Our work thus provides a comprehensive perspective on the emergence of nano-assemblies in solution.

High-temperature treatments of niobium under high vacuum, dilute air- and nitrogen-atmospheres as investigated by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Niobium metal foils were heat-treated at 900°C under different conditions and in situ investigated with time-resolved X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS and XANES) measurements. The present study aims to mimic the conditions usually applied for heat treatments of Nb materials used for superconducting radiofrequency cavities, in order to better understand the evolving processes during vacuum annealing as well as for heat treatments in controlled dilute gases. Annealing in vacuum in a commercially available cell showed a substantial amount of oxidation, so that a designated new cell was designed and realized, allowing treatments under clean high-vacuum conditions as well as under well controllable gas atmospheres. The experiments performed under vacuum demonstrated that the original structure of the Nb foils is preserved, while a detailed evaluation of the X-ray absorption fine-structure data acquired during treatments in dilute air atmospheres (10-5 mbar to 10-3 mbar) revealed a linear oxidation with the time of the treatment, and an oxidation rate proportional to the oxygen (air) pressure. The structure of the oxide appears to be very similar to that of polycrystalline NbO. The cell also permits controlled exposures to other reactive gases at elevated temperatures; here the Nb foils were exposed to dilute nitrogen atmospheres after a pre-conditioning of the studied Nb material for one hour under high-vacuum conditions, in order to imitate typical conditions used for nitrogen doping of cavity materials. Clear structural changes induced by the N2 exposure were found; however, no evidence for the formation of niobium nitride could be derived from the EXAFS and XANES experiments. The presented results establish the feasibility to study the structural changes of the Nb materials in situ during heat treatments in reactive gases with temporal resolution, which are important to better understand the underlaying mechanisms and the dynamics of phase formation during those heat treatments in more detail.

Electrically Transduced Gas Sensors Based on Semiconducting Metal Oxide Nanowires

Semiconducting metal oxide-based nanowires (SMO-NWs) for gas sensors have been extensively studied for their extraordinary surface-to-volume ratio, high chemical and thermal stabilities, high sensitivity, and unique electronic, photonic and mechanical properties. In addition to improving the sensor response, vast developments have recently focused on the fundamental sensing mechanism, low power consumption, as well as novel applications. Herein, this review provides a state-of-art overview of electrically transduced gas sensors based on SMO-NWs. We first discuss the advanced synthesis and assembly techniques for high-quality SMO-NWs, the detailed sensor architectures, as well as the important gas-sensing performance. Relationships between the NWs structure and gas sensing performance are established by understanding general sensitization models related to size and shape, crystal defect, doped and loaded additive, and contact parameters. Moreover, major strategies for low-power gas sensors are proposed, including integrating NWs into microhotplates, self-heating operation, and designing room-temperature gas sensors. Emerging application areas of SMO-NWs-based gas sensors in disease diagnosis, environmental engineering, safety and security, flexible and wearable technology have also been studied. In the end, some insights into new challenges and future prospects for commercialization are highlighted.

In situ AP-XPS analysis of a Pt thin-film sensor for highly sensitive H2 detection

In situ ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) combined with resistivity measurement was performed for a Pt thin-film H2 gas sensor. We experimentally demonstrate that the chemical state of the Pt surface changes under working conditions, and it directly links to the sensing performance. Moreover, the operating principle is discussed at the atomic scale.

New reflections on hard X-ray photon-in/photon-out spectroscopy

Analysis of the electronic structure and local coordination of an element is an important aspect in the study of the chemical and physical properties of materials. This is particularly relevant at the nanoscale where new phases of matter may emerge below a critical size. X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) at synchrotron radiation sources and free electron lasers has enriched the field of X-ray spectroscopy. The spectroscopic techniques derived from the combination of X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy (XAS-XES), such as resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) and high energy resolution fluorescence detected (HERFD) XAS, are an ideal tool for the study of nanomaterials. New installations and beamline upgrades now often include wavelength dispersive instruments for the analysis of the emitted X-rays. With the growing use of XAS-XES, scientists are learning about the possibilities and pitfalls. We discuss some experimental aspects, assess the feasibility of measuring weak fluorescence lines in dilute, radiation sensitive samples, and present new experimental approaches for studying magnetic properties of colloidal nanoparticles directly in the liquid phase.

Electronic and Catalytic Effects of Single-Atom Pd Additives on the Hydrogen Sensing Properties of Co3O4 Nanoparticle Films

Atomically dispersed Pd additives significantly enhanced the hydrogen sensing performance of a Co₃O₄ nanoparticle film, and their electronic along with catalytic roles were comprehensively investigated based on a series of systematic experiments. Aggregates of Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (approximately 3 nm in size) with homogeneously dispersed Pd additives at concentrations in the range of 1-20% (on a molar basis with respect to Co) were generated in the gas phase via reactive pulsed laser ablation of Co-Pd alloy targets in He/O₂ mixtures. The form of the Pd could be modified from single atoms to oxide clusters (1-2 nm), and the effects of these additives on the hydrogen sensing properties of thick films prepared by direct deposition were examined. The highest hydrogen sensing performance was obtained at 5% Pd loading, where single Pd atoms were present at the maximum density. Further Pd loading resulted in the formation of Pd oxide clusters and degraded the sensitivity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Pd K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that single Pd atoms in the Pd⁴⁺ state at Co³⁺ sites on the Co₃O₄ nanoparticle surfaces donated electrons to the Co₃O₄ valence band. The greater concentration of free electrons led to an increase in the concentration of ionosorbed oxygen under dry air. Consequently, more ionosorbed oxygen was available for reaction with hydrogen, enhancing sensitivity. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy data confirmed that approximately 10% of the single Pd atoms in the Pd⁴⁺ state were reduced to Pd²⁺ during exposure to 1000 ppm H₂, implying that a Pd⁴⁺ ↔ Pd²⁺ catalytic redox cycle accelerates the water formation reaction during hydrogen sensing. The present results provide deeper insights and understanding of the effects of noble metal additives on gas sensing, while highlighting the unique role of single-atom additives.

TEXS: in-vacuum tender X-ray emission spectrometer with 11 Johansson crystal analyzers

The design and first results of a large-solid-angle X-ray emission spectrometer that is optimized for energies between 1.5 keV and 5.5 keV are presented. The spectrometer is based on an array of 11 cylindrically bent Johansson crystal analyzers arranged in a non-dispersive Rowland circle geometry. The smallest achievable energy bandwidth is smaller than the core hole lifetime broadening of the absorption edges in this energy range. Energy scanning is achieved using an innovative design, maintaining the Rowland circle conditions for all crystals with only four motor motions. The entire spectrometer is encased in a high-vacuum chamber that allocates a liquid helium cryostat and provides sufficient space for in situ cells and operando catalysis reactors.

Application of Raman Spectroscopy to Working Gas Sensors: From in situ to operando Studies

Understanding the mode of operation of gas sensors is of great scientific and economic interest. A knowledge-based approach requires the development and application of spectroscopic tools to monitor the relevant surface and bulk processes under working conditions (operando approach). In this review we trace the development of vibrational Raman spectroscopy applied to metal-oxide gas sensors, starting from initial applications to very recent operando spectroscopic approaches. We highlight the potential of Raman spectroscopy for molecular-level characterization of metal-oxide gas sensors to reveal important mechanistic information, as well as its versatility regarding the design of in situ/operando cells and the combination with other techniques. We conclude with an outlook on potential future developments.

Spectroscopic Understanding of SnO2 and WO3 Metal Oxide Surfaces with Advanced Synchrotron Based; XPS-UPS and Near Ambient Pressure (NAP) XPS Surface Sensitive Techniques for Gas Sensor Applications under Operational Conditions

The most promising and utilized chemical sensing materials, WO₃ and SnO₂ were characterized by means advanced synchrotron based XPS, UPS, NAP-XPS techniques. The complementary electrical resistance and sensor testing experiments were also completed. A comparison and evaluation of some of the prominent and newly employed spectroscopic characterization techniques for chemical sensors were provided. The chemical nature and oxidation state of the WO₃ and SnO₂ thin films were explored at different depths from imminent surface to a maximum of 1.5 nm depth from the surface with non-destructive depth profiling. The adsorption and amount of chemisorbed oxygen species were precisely analyzed and quantified as a function of temperature between 25–400 °C under realistic operating conditions for chemical sensors employing 1–5 mbar pressures of oxygen (O₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). The effect of realistic CO and O₂ gas pressures on adsorbed water (H₂O), OH⁻ groups and chemisorbed oxygen species (O2(ads)−, O(ads), −O2(ads)2−) and chemical stability of metal oxide surfaces were evaluated and quantified.

Elucidating the Mechanism of Working SnO2 Gas Sensors Using Combined Operando UV/Vis, Raman, and IR Spectroscopy

SnO₂ is the most widely used metal oxide gas-sensing material but a detailed understanding of its functioning is still lacking despite its relevance for applications. To gain new mechanistic insight into SnO₂ gas sensors under working conditions, we have developed an operando approach based on combined UV/Vis, Raman, and FTIR spectroscopy, allowing us for the first time to relate the sensor response to the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the metal oxide, the nature of the adsorbates, and the gas-phase composition. We demonstrate with the example of ethanol gas sensing that the sensor resistance is directly correlated with the number of surface oxygen vacancies and the presence of surface species, in particular, acetate and hydroxy groups. Our operando results enable an assessment of mechanistic models proposed in the literature to explain gas sensor operation. Owing to their fundamental nature, our findings are of direct relevance also for other metal oxide gas sensors.

Current Understanding of the Fundamental Mechanisms of Doped and Loaded Semiconducting Metal-Oxide-Based Gas Sensing Materials

Introducing additives in semiconducting metal oxides includes, besides the use of filters, dynamic operation procedures and chemometric approaches, the most common way of tuning the sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of chemoresitsive gas sensors. For the vast majority of commercially used gas sensing materials, the introduction of additives is essential and is one of the longest lasting topics in gas sensor research. This Review discusses the different chemical and electrical sensitization mechanisms of additives as well as the role of different structures. Based on state-of-the-art experimental findings, this Review revises and updates the concepts that are used to explain the mechanisms through which the additives influence the performance of typical gas sensing materials, i.e., oxide nanoparticles arranged in a porous layer. The first sections classify the different additive structures, namely, doped or loaded oxides as well as mixtures of oxides, and describe the basic working principle of pristine semiconducting metal oxide gas sensors. The subsequent sections discuss different chemical and/or electrical contributions to the sensitization by additive structures, their mutual influence on each other, and the way they impact the sensing properties. The presented concepts and models are essential for understanding the complex role of additives and provide the basis for a knowledge-based design of gas sensors based on semiconducting metal oxide nanoparticles, which is outlined in a separate section.

Trends and Advances in the Characterization of Gas Sensing Materials Based on Semiconducting Oxides

The understanding of the fundamental properties and processes of chemoresistive gas sensors based on semiconducting metal oxides is driven by the available characterization techniques and sophisticated approaches used to identify structure-function-relationships. This article summarizes trends and advances in the characterization of gas sensing materials based on semiconducting metal oxides, giving a unique overview of the state of the art methodology used in this field. The focus is set on spectroscopic techniques, but the presented concepts apply to other characterization methods, such as electronic, imaging or diffraction-based techniques. The presented concepts are relevant for academic research as well as for improving R&D approaches in industry.

Finely Tuned SnO2 Nanoparticles for Efficient Detection of Reducing and Oxidizing Gases: The Influence of Alkali Metal Cation on Gas-Sensing Properties

Tin dioxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles were straightforwardly synthesized using an easily scaled-up liquid route that involves the hydrothermal treatment, either under acidic or basic conditions, of a commercial tin dioxide particle suspension including potassium counterions. After further thermal post-treatment, the nanomaterials have been thoroughly characterized by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nitrogen sorption porosimetry. Varying pH conditions and temperature of the thermal treatment provided cassiterite SnO₂ nanoparticles with crystallite sizes ranging from 7.3 to 9.7 nm and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas ranging from 61 to 106 m²·g^-1, acidic conditions favoring potassium cation removal. Upon exposure to a reducing gas (H₂, CO, and volatile organic compounds such as ethanol and acetone) or oxidizing gas (NO₂), layers of these SnO₂ nanoparticles led to highly sensitive, reversible, and reproducible responses. The sensing results were discussed in regard to the crystallite size, specific area, valence band energy, Debye length, and chemical composition. Results highlight the impact of the counterion residuals, which affect the gas-sensing performance to an extent much higher than that of size and surface area effects. Tin dioxide nanoparticles prepared under acidic conditions and calcined in air showed the best sensing performances because of lower amount of potassium cations and higher crystallinity, despite the lower surface area.

Aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition of gas sensitive SnO2 and Au-functionalised SnO2 nanorods via a non-catalysed vapour solid (VS) mechanism

Tin oxide nanorods (NRs) are vapour synthesised at relatively lower temperatures than previously reported and without the need for substrate pre-treatment, via a vapour-solid mechanism enabled using an aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition method. Results demonstrate that the growth of SnO2 NRs is promoted by a compression of the nucleation rate parallel to the substrate and a decrease of the energy barrier for growth perpendicular to the substrate, which are controlled via the deposition conditions. This method provides both single-step formation of the SnO2 NRs and their integration with silicon micromachined platforms, but also allows for in-situ functionalization of the NRs with gold nanoparticles via co-deposition with a gold precursor. The functional properties are demonstrated for gas sensing, with microsensors using functionalised NRs demonstrating enhanced sensing properties towards H2 compared to those based on non-functionalised NRs.

Low Working-Temperature Acetone Vapor Sensor Based on Zinc Nitride and Oxide Hybrid Composites

Transition-metal nitride and oxide composites are a significant class of emerging materials that have attracted great interest for their potential in combining the advantages of nitrides and oxides. Here, a novel class of gas sensing materials based on hybrid Zn3 N2 and ZnO composites is presented. The Zn3 N2 /ZnO (ZnNO) composites-based sensor exhibits selectivity and high sensitivity toward acetone vapor, and the sensitivity is dependent on the nitrogen content of the composites. The ZnNO-11.7 described herein possesses a low working temperature of 200 °C. The detection limit (0.07 ppm) is below the diabetes diagnosis threshold (1.8 ppm). In addition, the sensor shows high reproducibility and long-term stability.

A Johann-type X-ray emission spectrometer at the Rossendorf beamline

This paper gives a detailed description, including equations, of the Johann-type X-ray emission spectrometer which has been recently installed and tested at the Rossendorf beamline (ROBL) of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The spectrometer consists of a single spherically bent crystal analyzer and an avalanche photodiode detector positioned on the vertical Rowland cycle of 1 m diameter. The hard X-ray emission spectrometer (∼3.5-25 keV) operates at atmospheric pressure and covers the Bragg angles of 65°-89°. The instrument has been tested at high and intermediate incident energies, i.e. at the Zr K-edge and at the Au L3-edge, in the second experimental hutch of ROBL. The spectrometer is dedicated for studying actinides in materials and environmental samples by high-energy-resolution X-ray absorption and X-ray emission spectroscopies.

Surface Superoxide Complex Defects-Boosted Ultrasensitive ppb-Level NO2 Gas Sensors

Sn(4+) -O2 (-•) centers are intentionally created in SnO2 nanoflowers by a thermodynamically instable synthetic process. The resulting SnO2 nanoflower-based sensor is confirmed to be the most sensitive ppb-level chemiresistor NO2 sensor to date. The Sn(4+) -O2 (-•) centers with strong gas-adsorbing and high eletron-donating capability towards NO2 molecules decisively determine the sensor sensitivity.

WO3 Nanofiber-Based Biomarker Detectors Enabled by Protein-Encapsulated Catalyst Self-Assembled on Polystyrene Colloid Templates

A novel catalyst functionalization method, based on protein-encapsulated metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and their self-assembly on polystyrene (PS) colloid templates, is used to form catalyst-loaded porous WO3 nanofibers (NFs). The metallic NPs, composed of Au, Pd, or Pt, are encapsulated within a protein cage, i.e., apoferritin, to form unagglomerated monodispersed particles with diameters of less than 5 nm. The catalytic NPs maintain their nanoscale size, even following high-temperature heat-treatment during synthesis, which is attributed to the discrete self-assembly of NPs on PS colloid templates. In addition, the PS templates generate open pores on the electrospun WO3 NFs, facilitating gas molecule transport into the sensing layers and promoting active surface reactions. As a result, the Au and Pd NP-loaded porous WO3 NFs show superior sensitivity toward hydrogen sulfide, as evidenced by responses (R(air)/R(gas)) of 11.1 and 43.5 at 350 °C, respectively. These responses represent 1.8- and 7.1-fold improvements compared to that of dense WO3 NFs (R(air)/R(gas) = 6.1). Moreover, Pt NP-loaded porous WO3 NFs exhibit high acetone sensitivity with response of 28.9. These results demonstrate a novel catalyst loading method, in which small NPs are well-dispersed within the pores of WO3 NFs, that is applicable to high sensitivity breath sensors.

Structure and chemistry of surface-doped Pt:SnO2 gas sensing materials

The structure and sensitization mechanism of surface-doped Pt:SnO₂ was studied by state of the art operando spectroscopic methods, namely XAS and DRIFTS. The obtained results are discussed in the context of related Pt:SnO₂ materials.

One-pot synthesis of Pt catalysts based on layered double hydroxides: an application in propane dehydrogenation

One-pot synthesis of Mg,Al,Pt,In–layered double hydroxides (LDHs) yields well-dispersed Pt–In NPs. These nanocatalysts display high propane dehydrogenation activity and display the potential for deriving a broad class of Pt catalysts from LDHs.

In situ synthesis of porous array films on a filament induced micro-gap electrode pair and their use as resistance-type gas sensors with enhanced performances

Resistance-type metal-oxide semiconductor gas sensors with high sensitivity and low detection limit have been explored for practical applications. They require both sensing films with high sensitivity to target gases and an appropriate structure of the electrode-equipped substrate to support the sensing films, which is still challenging. In this paper, a new gas sensor of metal-oxide porous array films on a micro-gap electrode pair is designed and implemented by taking ZnO as a model material. First, a micro-gap electrode pair was constructed by sputtering deposition on a filament template, which was used as the sensor's supporting substrate. Then, the sensing film, made up of ZnO porous periodic arrays, was in situ synthesized onto the supporting substrate by a solution-dipping colloidal lithography strategy. The results demonstrated the validity of the strategy, and the as-designed sensor shows a small device-resistance, an enhanced sensing performance with high resolution and an ultralow detection limit. This work provides an alternative method to promote the practical application of resistance-type gas sensors.

A high-temperature in situ cell with a large solid angle for fluorescence X-ray absorption fine structure measurement

We present the design and performance of a high-temperature in situ cell with a large solid angle for fluorescence X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectra. The cell has a large fluorescence XAFS window (116 mm(ϕ)) near the sample in the cell, realizing a large half-cone angle of 56°. We use a small heater (25 × 35 mm(2)) to heat the sample locally to 873 K. We measured a Pt-SnO2 thin layer on a Si substrate at reaction conditions having a high activity. In situ measurement enables the analysis of the difference XAFS spectra between before and during the reaction to reveal the structure change during the operation.

Detection of volatile organic compounds using flexible gas sensing devices based on tungsten oxide nanostructures functionalized with Au and Pt nanoparticles

Flexible gas sensor devices are fabricated and optimized by integrating directly, via a single-step vapor-phase deposition method, highly crystalline tungsten oxide nanostructures functionalized with either gold or platinum nanoparticles. Gas tests of these devices show significant improvements with respect to flexible gas sensors based on non-functionalized structures, including greater responses to various volatile organic compounds (ethanol, acetone, methanol and toluene) and better selectivity towards ethanol and methanol, as demonstrate results for the sensors based on platinum-functionalized structures. The method presented here, which includes the fabrication of the whole flexible gas sensing device and the integration of functional nanostructures without the use of transfer methods, provides a simpler, faster and inexpensive method for the fabrication of highly functional flexible microsystems for gas sensing.

Monitoring a CuO gas sensor at work: an advanced in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy study

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and electrical measurements were used to elucidate the local structure and electronic changes of copper(ii) oxide (CuO) nanostructures under working conditions.

High-resolution molybdenum K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy analyzed with time-dependent density functional theory

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a widely used experimental technique capable of selectively probing the local structure around an absorbing atomic species in molecules and materials. When applied to heavy elements, however, the quantitative interpretation can be challenging due to the intrinsic spectral broadening arising from the decrease in the core-hole lifetime. In this work we have used high-energy resolution fluorescence detected XAS (HERFD-XAS) to investigate a series of molybdenum complexes. The sharper spectral features obtained by HERFD-XAS measurements enable a clear assignment of the features present in the pre-edge region. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) has been previously shown to predict K-pre-edge XAS spectra of first row transition metal compounds with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Here we extend this approach to molybdenum K-edge HERFD-XAS and present the necessary calibration. Modern pure and hybrid functionals are utilized and relativistic effects are accounted for using either the Zeroth Order Regular Approximation (ZORA) or the second order Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DKH2) scalar relativistic approximations. We have found that both the predicted energies and intensities are in excellent agreement with experiment, independent of the functional used. The model chosen to account for relativistic effects also has little impact on the calculated spectra. This study provides an important calibration set for future applications of molybdenum HERFD-XAS to complex catalytic systems.

Fast-response, sensitivitive and low-powered chemosensors by fusing nanostructured porous thin film and IDEs-microheater chip

The chemiresistive thin film gas sensors with fast response, high sensitivity, low power consumption and mass-produced potency, have been expected for practical application. It requires both sensitive materials, especially exquisite nanomaterials, and efficient substrate chip for heating and electrical addressing. However, it is challenging to achieve repeatable microstructures across the films and low power consumption of substrate chip. Here we presented a new sensor structure via the fusion of metal-oxide nanoporous films and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based sensing chip. An interdigital-electrodes (IDEs) and microheater integrated MEMS structure is designed and employed as substrate chip to in-situ fabricate colloidal monolayer template-induced metal-oxide (egg. SnO₂) nanoporous sensing films. This fused sensor demonstrates mW-level low power, ultrafast response (~1 s), and parts-per-billion lever detection for ethanol gas. Due to the controllable template strategy and mass-production potential, such micro/nano fused high-performance gas sensors will be next-generation key miniaturized/integrated devices for advanced practical applications.

A tool to plan photon-in/photon-out experiments: count rates, dips and self-absorption

A program that helps to plan experiments where the emitted X-rays are detected is presented. The tool is based on the standard formula for fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy and uses tabulated parameters to estimate count rates. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility of an experiment, estimate the influence of self-absorption on the spectral shape and investigate the possibility of range-extended EXAFS. The occurrence of `negative' edges, i.e. a decrease in the detected signal, is discussed.