Role of Native Defect in Near Room Temperature CH4 Sensing Using Nanostructured V2O5

Native defects are highly prevalent in vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) as it can easily get converted into reduced oxides. The role of defects in gas sensing properties of V 2 O 5 nanostructures, however, are not well understood. In the present report, effect of native defects on near room temperature sensing is reported for the first time. Hydrothermally grown V 2 O 5 nanoparticles with substantial sensor response to CH 4 close to room temperature at 50 °C is presented. Fast response and recovery times of 43 s and 75 s, respectively, for 500 ppm CH 4 gas at optimum operating temperature of 150 °C were observed. Temperature dependent photoluminescence studies were carried out to understand the role of native defects and their emission behavior leading to carrier saturation in realizing optimum operating temperature.