| The main areas of research addressed in this thesis are development of metal and metal oxide sensors that can detect toxic gases. Three different projects have been discussed in this thesis, all aimed at developing high performance sensors.;In the first part of this thesis, studies related to gas adsorption on metal oxide/ hydroxides are presented. Adsorption induced photoluminescence changes on metal oxides and hydroxides have been monitored, and the mechanisms governing the photoluminesence changes are discussed. Monitoring changes in the photoluminescence of metal oxides and hydroxides may have implications for hazardous chemical cleanup and remediation.;In the second part of this dissertation, the mechanism of the thiol-induced color change in nanoparticulate WO3 powder has been studied. No such color change was observed in the nanoparticulate WO3 powder when exposed to HC1, SO2, NO2, or NH3. While color changes in WO3 due to electrochemical and chemical reactions have been investigated, no literature exists reporting the color change upon exposure to methanethiol.;In the last part of this thesis, studies related to sintering of gold nanoparticle films on flexible substrates are discussed. Sintering studies are important in order to develop methods towards printable electronics and gas sensors. Inkjet printing was carried out to deposit the gold nanoparticles onto flexible substrates. Various sintering techniques have been studied including laser, microwave, thermal, electrical and ozone treatments. |
