Industrial Potential of Formaldehyde Gas Sensor Based on PdPt Bimetallic Loaded SnO2 Nanoparticles

SnO₂-based semiconductor gas-sensing materials are regarded as some of the most crucial sensing materials, owing to their extremely high electron mobility, high sensitivity, and excellent stability. To bridge the gap between laboratory-scale SnO₂ and its industrial applications, low-cost and high-efficiency requirements must be met. This implies the need for simple synthesis techniques, reduced energy consumption, and satisfactory gas-sensing performances. In this study, we utilized a surfactant-free simple method to modify SnO₂ nanoparticles with PdPt noble metals, ensuring the stable state of the material. Under the synergistic catalytic effect of Pd and Pt, the composite material (1.0 wt%-PdPt-SnO₂) significantly enhanced its response to HCHO. This modification decreased the optimal working temperature to as low as 180 °C to achieve a response value (<i>R</i>_a/<i>R</i>_g = 8.2) and showcased lower operating temperatures, higher sensitivity, and better selectivity to detect 10 ppm of HCHO when compared with pristine SnO₂ or single noble metal-decorated SnO₂ sensors. Stability tests verified that the gas sensor signals based on PdPt-SnO₂ nanoparticles exhibit good reliability. Furthermore, a portable HCHO detector was designed for practical applications, such as in newly purchased cushions, indicating its potential for industrialization beyond the laboratory.