Analysis of Palladium-induced Charges in the Device Characteristics of a TiO2-based Thin Film Transistor for Gas Sensing Applications

This study focuses on designing and simulating a Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) based Thin Film Transistor (TFT) using Sentaurus Technology CAD (TCAD) tool. A Palladium metal layer is placed over the TFT to enhance the device’s sensitivity to toxic gases, particularly those associated with food spoilage and contamination. The simulations explore the Pd-induced changes in the drain current, threshold voltage, as well as subthreshold swing of the TiO2 TFT. The simulation leverages a process known as the electro-desorption mechanism, which is fast and efficient, making the device capable of real-time monitoring. The device’s performance is evaluated through its output and transfer characteristics, demonstrating a superior response when compared to traditional MOSFET devices. The incorporation of Pd facilitates a significant improvement in the device’s ability to detect minute changes in gas concentrations, which is crucial for early detection of food spoilage. Current drive as high as 9.01 μA was attained in the proposed TFT device before placing the Palladium toxic material, and after placing, nearly 4 μA reduction in current drive is observed. These characteristics reveal the enhanced sensitivity of the device to toxic gases, underscoring its potential as a reliable and accurate tool for food safety applications. The study also highlights the advantages of incorporating palladium as a sensing layer, offering greater detection precision and a faster response time for identifying hazardous gases in various food environments. The electrical characteristics of the device are thoroughly examined in the study’s conclusion, emphasizing its potential for low-power uses in portable food safety monitoring systems. The findings show that the Pd-functionalized TiO2 TFT is a viable way to create sophisticated gas sensors for food safety applications that have improved sensitivity, selectivity, and stability.