Nature of Sensitivity Promotion in Pd‐Loaded SnO2 Gas Sensor

Abstract
The nature of electronic interaction between noble metal and semiconducting oxide was investigated for Pd‐loaded sensor elements. It was shown that grains contacting to PdO were strongly depleted of electrons in air. This electronic interaction disappears on exposure not only to ‐containing air but also to He (inert gas). On the basis of these results, it was suggested that the adsorbed oxygen formed at the interface is responsible for the electronic interaction.