Hybrid composite thin films composed of tin oxide nanoparticles and cellulose

摘要

This paper reports the preparation and characterization of hybrid thin films consisting of tin oxide (SnO_2) nanoparticles and cellulose. SnO_2 nanoparticle loaded cellulose hybrid thin films were fabricated by a solution blending technique, using sodium dodecyl sulfate as a dispersion agent. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed uniform dispersion of the SnO_2 nanoparticles in the cellulose matrix. Reduction in the crystalline melting transition temperature and tensile properties of cellulose was observed due to the SnO_2 nanoparticle loading. Potential application of these hybrid thin films as low cost, flexible and biodegradable humidity sensors is examined in terms of the change in electrical resistivity of the material exposed to a wide range of humidity as well as its response-recovery behavior.