COLUMNAR STRUCTURES OF SEMICONDUCTING OXIDES FOR SELECTIVE DETECTION OF GASES: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES

review on the results of the experimental research performed in the Center for Nanotechnologies and Nanosensors from Technical University of Moldova, is presented in this paper. One of the important directions of the Center is the development of new and cost-effective nanotechnologies. These includes especially the chemical synthesis of metal oxide columnar films (ZnO, CuO, Cu2O, etc.) with advanced properties for selective and highly sensitive detection. Portable devices based on such semiconducting oxide structures for the selective and highly sensitive detection of various gases, which are of importance for industrial systems, as well as, for human health monitoring are demonstrated. Continuous research results in a steady improvement of the properties of nanocolumnar materials by various strategies (doping, surface functionalization with nanoparticles of noble metals or other metal oxides) in order to achieve the best performances and long-term stability in environmental conditions