Impact of Nb doping on gas-sensing performance of TiO_2 thick-film sensors

摘要

Using a simple hydrothermal method, the pristine and Nb doped TiCh is prepared, and their microstruc-tures and gas-sensing responses to the harmful volatile organic compounds are investigated with a special focus on the impact of Nb additive. We find that the gas response of TiO_2 is enhanced significantly by doping Nb, which is understood in theory upon proposed adsorption models. Combining experimental measurements with first-principles calculations, the working mechanism underlying such improvement in gas-sensing functions by the Nb additive is discussed.