Structural, textural, surface chemistry and sensing properties of mesoporous Pr, Zn modified SnO2–TiO2 powder composites

Mesoporous Zn and Pr modified SnO2-TiO2 mixed powders (Sn:Ti:Zn:Pr contents 60:20:15:5) have been prepared by a modified sol–gel method involving Tripropylamine (TPA) as chelating agent, TritonX100 as template and Polyvinylpyrrolidone as dispersant and stabilizer, respectively. The obtained gels have been dried at different temperatures and calcined in air at 600 and 800°C, respectively. Phase identification of the synthesized samples and their evolution with the calcination temperature has been performed by X-ray diffraction. N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms were found to be characteristic for mesoporous materials, showing relatively low values for the specific surface area (15–32m2g−1) and nanometric sized pores. In case of the sample calcined at 800°C, a bimodal pore size distribution can be observed, with maxima at 20 and 60nm. SEM results demonstrate a porous nanocrystalline morphology stable up to 800°C. The surface chemistry investigated by XPS reveals the presence of the elements on the surface as well as the oxidation states for the detected elements. At 800°C a diffusion process of Sn from surface to the subsurface/bulk region accompanied by a segregation of Ti and Zn to the surface is noticed, while Pr content is unchanged. The sensing properties of the prepared powders for CO detection have been tested in the range of 250–2000ppm and working temperatures of 227–477°C.