Semiconducting materials in the SnO/sub 2/-CuO system [for gas sensors]

It is well known that SnO/sub 2/ based ceramics may present very interesting properties with respect to their usefulness for gas detection. To establish the composition limits suitable for sensor applications as well as stable electrodes, a thorough study of the high temperature interactions between SnO/sub 2/ and CuO was done. Non-isothermal and isothermal investigations were carried out in air, for temperatures up to 1250/spl deg/C and 1000/spl deg/C, respectively. According to their ceramic properties, the samples containing less than 20% CuO may be suitable for sensor applications for temperatures <1000/spl deg/C.