02186nas a2200241   4500008004100000022001400041245006900055210006800124260007300192300001200265490000700277520138700284653002001671653001801691653001201709653001801721100002001739700002001759700001701779700002201796700002301818856010301841       2009                        eng d  a0928-493100aPolymer-embedded stannic oxide nanoparticles as humidity sensors0 aPolymerembedded stannic oxide nanoparticles as humidity sensors  aPO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDSbELSEVIER SCIENCE BVcAPR  a847-8500 v293 a<p>Stannic oxide (SnO(2)) nanoparticles have been suspended in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix in different PVA: SnO(2) molar ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:5 using simple chemical route. This suspension was deposited on ceramic substrate and upon drying was carefully detached from the substrate. SnO(2)-embedded self-standing, transparent and flexible thin films were hence synthesized. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Xray diffraction (XRD) techniques show the rutile tetragonal structure of SnO(2) with particle size similar to 5 nm. UV-Visible spectroscopy demonstrates the band gap of 3.9 eV, which does not alter when embedded in polymer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveals that the properties of SnO(2) do not modify due to incorporation in the PVA matrix. The structures work as excellent humidity sensors at room temperature. For a critical PVA:SnO(2) molar ratio of 1:3, the resistance changes to five times of magnitude in 92% humidity within fraction of second when compared with resistance at 11% humidity. The sample regains its original resistance almost instantaneously after being removed from humid chamber. Nanodimensions of SnO(2) particles and percolation mechanism related to transport through polymer matrix and water molecule as a carrier has been used to understand the mechanism. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</p>10ahumidity sensor10aNanoparticles10aPolymer10aStannic oxide1 aHatamie, Shadie1 aDhas, Vivek, V.1 aKale, B., B.1 aMulla, Imtiaz, S.1 aKale, Sangeeta, N.  uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/polymer-embedded-stannic-oxide-nanoparticles-humidity-sensors-0