Enhanced hydrogen sulfide sensing performance of tellurium nanorods on silver nanoparticle-decorated silicon substrates

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a highly toxic gas that requires sensitive and reliable detection methods to mitigate health and environmental risks. This study investigates the enhanced H 2 S sensing performance of tellurium (Te) nanorods grown on silicon substrates decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via thermal evaporation. Structural characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of crystalline hexagonal-phase Te nanorods, with Ag NPs promoting uniform growth and higher surface density. The presence of an interfacial Ag 5 Te 3 phase further improved electronic interactions, enhancing gas sensitivity. Gas sensing tests at room temperature demonstrated that Te nanorods on Ag NP/Si substrates exhibited superior sensitivity to H 2 S (10–50[Formula: see text]ppm) compared to those on bare Si. The linear resistance response was attributed to oxygen chemisorption and subsequent reaction with H 2 S. The Ag NPs acted as catalytic sites, facilitating oxygen dissociation and charge transfer, thereby accelerating response kinetics. These findings highlight the critical role of Ag NPs in optimizing Te nanostructure morphology and sensing performance, offering a promising pathway for developing low-temperature, high-sensitivity H 2 S detectors.