USE OF NANOPARTICLES MADE OF TRANSITION METAL OXIDES AS SENSING MATERIAL IN CHEMICAL SENSORS FOR DETECTING OR QUANTIFYING TARGET VAPOR MOLECULES

摘要

The invention relates to the use of nanoparticles of at least one oxide of at least one transition metal doped with a rare earth element, particularly YxVO4Eu1-x nanoparticles obtained through a sol-gel process, as a sensitive material in a chemical sensor for detecting peroxide-compound vapors. The material is used in a liquid process, in a spray of the initial sol, or in a solid thin film after being deposited on a substrate. The inorganic, fluorescent character of the nanoparticles makes it possible to obtain a sensitive material for an optical sensor that has good performance stability over time. The intended uses are the detection of explosives or explosive precursors, particularly peroxides, the control or monitoring of atmospheric pollution and ambient-air quality, and the monitoring of industrial sites.