Single-step aerosol-based synthesis of nanostructured thin films for hydrogen sensing

Abstract

This article describes a single-step method for synthesizing nanostructured materials using evaporation–condensation synthesis and inertial impaction of aerosol nanoparticles. The as-deposited films exhibit anisotropic vertical and horizontal sintering of their palladium nanoparticle building blocks, yielding vertical structures. The electrical conductivity of the films is stable and highly sensitive to the presence of hydrogen in the overlaying gas, at concentrations that range from a few hundreds parts per million to a few percent.