Surface functionalization of ceramic nanoparticles: Application to ion-sensing and gas-sensing devices

The consequences of surface functionalization by grafting molecules like hydroxysilane, chlorosilane, and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) are reviewed for different types of nanoparticles including Si(3)N(4), TiO(2), and SnO(2). Fourier transform infrared spectrometry is used as primary investigation tool. In terms of physical properties, these surface chemical modifications lead to improvements of the ion-sensitive FET and gas sensors characteristics. The beneficial effect of hydroxy- and chlorosilane grafted on Si(3)N(4) used as ion sensitive membranes will be demonstrated. Then, the reduction of humidity effects on HMDS-grafted TiO(2) and SnO(2) nanosized powders used for screen-printed CO sensors will be reported.