Effect of Electrode Material on the Electrical Properties of Tin Dioxide Thick Films

The influence of electrode materials made of Ag-containing paste and Ni 3 B-based paste on the properties of fine SnO 2 thick films is studied. The Sn 0.97 Sb 0.03 O 2 nanopowder is introduced into the thick-film composite to intensify film consolidation during heat treatment, enhance film adhesion to the substrate, and control the resistivity. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy are applied. The dependences of film resistivity on composition of the conducting phase are established. The effect of heat treatment temperature on the resistivity and current-voltage characteristics of films on silver and nickel electrodes is examined. It is shown that the electrodes made of powdered Ni 3 B paste can be used for SnO 2 films whose heat treatment temperature does not exceed 1073 K, in particular, for gas sensors.