Synthesizing Tin(IV) Oxide Nanoparticles for Methane Sensors
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Carol Baumbauer, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Environments that emit methane are important to monitor because methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Inexpensive resistive methane sensors can effectively measure high concentrations of methane (100-1000 ppm), however, environmental applications of methane sensors must detect concentrations less than 100 ppm. Here we take the first steps towards developing methane sensors with high sensitivity and low limits of detection by synthesizing tin(IV) oxide nanoparticles in a colloidal suspension of ethanol. This solution can be inkjet printed and heat-treated to form a gas-sensitive resistive layer. Refining the qualities of this sensing layer, by controlling the chemical reactions that create the nanoparticles, can increase or decrease the effect of particular gasses. A matrix of sensors with different sensitivities to various gasses can create an electronic “nose” that creates response pattern signatures to specifically identify methane concentration. We have successfully replicated a method of synthesizing tin(IV) oxide nanoparticles in ethanol, and used DLS to measure particles with diameters of roughly 4 nm. Future experiments will allow us to fine-tune the properties of our tin(IV) oxide ink for use in low-limit-of-detection methane sensors.
Synthesizing Tin(IV) Oxide Nanoparticles for Methane Sensors
Environments that emit methane are important to monitor because methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Inexpensive resistive methane sensors can effectively measure high concentrations of methane (100-1000 ppm), however, environmental applications of methane sensors must detect concentrations less than 100 ppm. Here we take the first steps towards developing methane sensors with high sensitivity and low limits of detection by synthesizing tin(IV) oxide nanoparticles in a colloidal suspension of ethanol. This solution can be inkjet printed and heat-treated to form a gas-sensitive resistive layer. Refining the qualities of this sensing layer, by controlling the chemical reactions that create the nanoparticles, can increase or decrease the effect of particular gasses. A matrix of sensors with different sensitivities to various gasses can create an electronic “nose” that creates response pattern signatures to specifically identify methane concentration. We have successfully replicated a method of synthesizing tin(IV) oxide nanoparticles in ethanol, and used DLS to measure particles with diameters of roughly 4 nm. Future experiments will allow us to fine-tune the properties of our tin(IV) oxide ink for use in low-limit-of-detection methane sensors.