Optimization of Au:CuO Thin Films by Plasma Surface Modification for High-Resolution LSPR Gas Sensing at Room Temperature.

ABSTRACT: In this study, thin films composed of gold nanoparticles embedded in a copper oxide matrix (Au:CuO), manifesting Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) behavior, were produced by reactive DC magnetron sputtering and post-deposition in-air annealing. The effect of low-power Ar plasma etching on the surface properties of the plasmonic thin films was studied, envisaging its optimization as gas sensors. Thus, this work pretends to attain the maximum sensing response of the thin film system and to demonstrate its potential as a gas sensor. The results show that as Ar plasma treatment time increases, the host CuO matrix is etched while Au nanoparticles are uncovered, which leads to an enhancement of the sensitivity until a certain limit. Above such a time limit for plasma treatment, the CuO

SUBMITTER: Proenca M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9501632 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature