Ferric Oxide Nanoparticle-functionalized Tungsten Oxide Nanoneedles and their Gas Sensing Properties

AbstractThe aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition of Fe2O3 nanoparticle-functionalized tungsten oxide nanoneedles and their gas sensing properties are presented here. Material analysis demonstrates the incorporation of 4 to 15nm Fe2O3 nanoparticles at the surface of the tungsten oxide nanoneedles. Gas sensing tests show improved tungsten oxide sensitivity, to toluene, ethanol and hydrogen, with the highest sensitivity (six-fold) to toluene, due to its functionalization with Fe2O3. This enhancement is nearly similar to the enhancement obtained when functionalizing tungsten oxide with platinum, suggesting that the sensing performance of tungsten oxide could be improved to a same extent using second-phase nanoparticles of metal oxides, which are less expensive and more abundant than precious metals such as Pt