Introduction

Methodology for producing gas sensors by inkjet printing based on semiconductor metal oxide precursors. The gas sensor thus produced can detect gases and detect chemical species dispersed in an environment with greater sensitivity, selectivity and stability over time than current commercial gas sensors.

Technical features

The invention (TRL 7) is a method for producing chemoresistive gas sensors by inkjet printing of semiconducting metallic material (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, tin dioxide, or combinations thereof) from sol-gel precursors or nanoparticles.

A gas sensor is thus produced and is composed by: an insulating substrate on which is deposited a pattern of conductive lines defining at least two conductive electrodes, and at least one functional layer of semiconducting metal oxide deposited on the insulating substrate and on at least part of each of the two conductive electrodes. At least one of these functional layers is obtained by inkjet printing mentioned above.

Possible Applications

• Implementation of electronic noses for the detection of simple or complex odors in certain environments, for example, to detect the presence of hazardous gases in industrial environments such as refineries;
• Pollutant detection for the purpose of air quality assessment.

Advantages

• Improved sensitivity and good selectivity toward gases;
• Improved stability and sensitivity over time;
• Economical;
• Simple to produce.