Metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors utilizing a Cr-zeolite catalytic layer for improved selectivity

A novel method of improving the selectivity of metal oxide sensors has been developed. The addition of zeolites, catalytically modified with chromium, results in controlled selectivity to alkanes based on shape and size effects. The cracking patterns of n-alkanes over Cr-zeolite Y and Cr-zeolite β between 200 °C and 400 °C have been ascertained using a novel system involving a heated zeolite bed, thermal desorber and GC/MS. The findings correlate with discrimination shown when the respective zeolites are incorporated as a catalytic layer on chromium titanium oxide (CTO) gas sensors used in a proprietary sensor array system to ascertain their suitability for inclusion into an electronic nose.

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