Detection Performance Analysis of Hazardous and Noxious Substances Using ITO

Abstract

In order to develop a sensor for detecting hazardous substances spilled on the sea, ITO nano powder was printed on a PET substrate to fabricate a sensor, and the operating characteristics were compared and evaluated. ITO nano powder with a particle size of 60 nm and a Sn concentration of 8% was used. Also PET film was used as the substrate. For printing, binder was prepared by using ethylcellulose and alpha-terpineol. Printing was performed by using a screen of 50 μm mesh.The paste viscosity was determined from the viewpoint of the accuracy of the printing process. The printed thin film was about 20um thick and had resistivity of 35.9 Ω · cm. Using this printed thin film, the sensitivity of the sensor was evaluated by observing the change of resistance according to the concentration change of HNS under 1 V bias. The performance of the sensor was evaluated by comparing the sensitivities of the sputtered ITO thin film. The initial electric double layer formation and the change of resistance according to the progress of redox reaction were observed when HNS contact was made on the sensor surface. In order to improve the performance of printed thin film, the temperature dependent Hall-effect measurement was performed. Also, the conduction mechanism of the ITO film was discussed.