Particle Size and Configuration Engineering of CeO2 Sensors for Improved NO2 Detection

AbstractThe performance of cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticle-based chemiresistors for NO2 detection wasexamined, focusing on probe sonication time, electrode materials, and operating temperature. CeO2nanoparticles, synthesized and characterized by XRD, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and PL, were used tofabricate sensors with sonication times of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes and different electrodes (Al, Ag, Au).The study found that sensor sensitivity to NO2 improved with increased sonication time, peaking at 60minutes. The optimal operating temperature was 378 K, with the sensor showing peak response in about18 seconds and recovery in 36 seconds. Stability tests over 30 days demonstrated consistent performance.Gold (Au) electrodes offered the highest sensitivity and stability. The results highlight the critical role ofoptimizing sonication time and electrode material to enhance the performance of CeO2-basedchemiresistors for NO2 detection.