Acetone Gas Sensing Properties of a Multiple-Networked Fe2 O3 -Functionalized CuO Nanorod Sensor

Fe sub(2) O sub(3) -decorated CuO nanorods were prepared by Cu thermal oxidation followed by Fe sub(2) O sub(3) decoration via a solvothermal route. The acetone gas sensing properties of multiple-networked pristine and Fe sub(2) O sub(3) -decorated CuO nanorod sensors were examined. The optimal operating temperature of the sensors was found to be 240 degree C. The pristine and Fe sub(2) O sub(3) -decorated CuO nanorod sensors showed responses of 586 and 1,090%, respectively, to 1,000 ppm of acetone at 240 degree C. The Fe sub(2) O sub(3) -decorated CuO nanorod sensor also showed faster response and recovery than the latter sensor. The acetone gas sensing mechanism of the Fe sub(2) O sub(3) -decorated CuO nanorod sensor is discussed in detail. The origin of the enhanced sensing performance of the multiple-networked Fe sub(2) O sub(3) -decorated CuO nanorod sensor to acetone gas was explained by modulation of the potential barrier at the Fe sub(2) O sub(3) -CuO interface, highly catalytic activity of Fe sub(2) O sub(3) for acetone oxidation, and the creation of active adsorption sites by Fe sub(2) O sub(3) nanoparticles.