Scientific reports 2013-01-01

Resonant tunneling modulation in quasi-2D Cu(2)O/SnO(2) p-n horizontal-multi-layer heterostructure for room temperature H(2)S sensor application.

Guangliang Cui, Mingzhe Zhang, Guangtian Zou

Index: Sci. Rep. 3 , 1250, (2013)

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Abstract

Heterostructure material that acts as resonant tunneling system is a major scientific challenge in applied physics. Herein, we report a resonant tunneling system, quasi-2D Cu(2)O/SnO(2) p-n heterostructure multi-layer film, prepared by electrochemical deposition in a quasi-2D ultra-thin liquid layer. By applying a special half-sine deposition potential across the electrodes, Cu(2)O and SnO(2) selectively and periodically deposited according to their reduction potentials. The as-prepared heterostructure film displays excellent sensitivity to H(2)S at room temperature due to the resonant tunneling modulation. Furthermore, it is found that the laser illumination could enhance the gas response, and the mechanism with laser illumination is discussed. It is the first report on gas sensing application of resonant tunneling modulation. Hence, heterostructure material act as resonant tunneling system is believed to be an ideal candidate for further improvement of room temperature gas sensing.