Combinatorial approaches for synthesis of metal oxides: Processing and sensing application

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview about the application of metal oxides in chemiresistors. A generalized model of working principle and the influence of particle size, microstructure, volume and surface doping are discussed. The quality factors of sensor performance and the necessity of high-throughput experimentation and combinatorial techniques for the development of new sensor materials are explained. In this context high-throughput impedance spectroscopy is presented as a rapid characterization method of a large number of samples. The complete workflow is introduced involving material synthesis and analysis, layer preparation by a laboratory robot, impedometric characterization and automated data evaluation. As examples two series of surface and volume doping demonstrate the systematic identification of new sensor materials.