Nanocrystalline SnO2–TiO2 thin film deposited on base of equilateral prism as an opto-electronic humidity sensor

Abstract

Present paper reports the synthesis of SnO2–TiO2 nanocomposite, its characterization and performance as opto-electronic humidity sensor. Nanocrystalline SnO2–TiO2 film was deposited on the base of an equilateral prism using a photo resist spinner and the as prepared film was annealed at 200°C for 2h. The crystal structure of the prepared film was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Minimum crystallite size of the material was found 7nm. Surface morphology of the film was investigated by Scanning electron microscope (SEM LEO-0430, Cambridge). SEM image shows that the film is porous. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of as synthesized material shows two exothermic peaks at about 40 and 110°C, respectively which are due to the evaporation of chemical impurities and water. Further the prepared film was investigated through the exposure of humidity and relative humidity (%RH) was measured directly in terms of modulation in the intensity of light recorded on a digital power meter. The maximum sensitivity of sensor was found 4.14μW/%RH, which is quite significant for sensor fabrication purposes.