Swift heavy ion irradiated SnO2 thin film sensor for efficient detection of SO2 gas.

Gas sensing response studies of the Ni 7+ ion irradiated (100 MeV) and non-irradiated SnO 2 thin film sensor prepared under same conditions have been performed towards SO 2 gas (500 ppm). The effect of irradiation on the structural, surface morphological, optical and gas sensing properties of SnO 2 thin film based sensor have been studied. A significant decrease in operating temperature (from 220 °C to 60 °C) and increased sensing response (from 1.3 to 5.0) is observed for the sample after irradiation. The enhanced sensing response obtained for the irradiated SnO 2 thin film based sensor is attributed to the desired modification in the surface morphology and material properties of SnO 2 thin film by Ni 7+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]