The influence of the synthesis method on Gd2O3 morpho-structural properties and sensitivity to CO2 under in-field conditions

In this study, we report the implications of the synthesis method on Gd2O3 sensitivity to CO2. The rare-earth oxide was prepared by wet chemical co-precipitation and by hydrothermal method. The obtained powders labelled Gd2O3–CoP and Gd2O3-HT were deposited as thick films over commercial Al2O3 substrates provided with Pt electrodes and a back-side heater. Both powders consist of the same crystallographic phase, with a significant difference appearing in selected area electron diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy images at higher magnification and X-ray diffraction spectra, with respect to the crystallization degree. The associated role in sensing properties is revealed via electrical resistance variations determined by CO2 concentrations in the range between 400 and 3000 ppm and variable relative humidity between 0 and 50%RH, similar to the in-field atmosphere. The proposed CO2 interaction mechanism is based on phenomenological investigations which highlight the electronic affinity variation as the effect of dipoles induced by the in-field conditions on the Gd2O3 surface. [Display omitted] •TEM highlights similar rod-shaped morphologies for Gd2O3–CoP and Gd2O3-HT.•SAED and XRD reveal different crystallization degrees for Gd2O3–CoP and Gd2O3-HT.•Sensing properties are evaluated for in-field-like conditions with variable %RH.•The amplitude of the sensor response depends on the crystallization degree.•Phenomenological investigations suggest the interaction mechanisms with CO2.