Chemiresistive properties of lead nanoparticles, covered by oxide and sulfide layer

Nanostructured lead thin films were prepared by vacuum deposition of metal on textolyte, glass and alumina at 80 K. After annealing to room temperature and exposure to air an oxide shell was formed on particles. A high sensitivity to water and ammonia vapors in air at room temperature was found for such films. The condensates were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nanostructure, which is responsible for the chemiresistive effect was found. A series of experiments with the preparation of sulfide-covered lead nanoparticles were launched. Some preliminary results on the found chemiresistive properties are discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.