Sm2O3 rice-like nanorods decorated on rGO flexible resistive sensor for room temperature LPG detection

[Display omitted] •Sm2O3 rice like nanorods was prepared by ESM-assisted hydrothermal method.•Sensitivity, stability and selectivity parameters analyzed for Sm2O3/rGO sensor towards LPG at RT.•The sensing mechanism explained based on Chemiresistive model. Flexible electrochemical sensors have gained huge attention over their significant properties and the probability of applying to any wearable electronic devices. LPG traces in definite concentrations leads to a fire accident, adverse health effects, and even causes death. The current study focuses on a flexible, room temperature LPG sensor based on Sm2O3/rGO hybrid nanocomposite with different loading factors (1, 3, and 5 wt%) coated on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate working electrodes. Eggshell membrane (ESM) template constituents are acts as a reducing agent during the hydrothermal synthesis of Sm2O3 nanorods. Flexible Sm2O3/rGO hybrid Chemiresistive gas sensor was tested for various gas sensing parameters. The decoration of Sm2O3 nanorods on 3 wt% rGO sheets exhibited good selectivity to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at room temperature gives a response of 116% at 700 ppm of LPG with a short response, recovery time and gained 99% response after bending with 94.5% stability of the sensor.