Improved SnO2 nanowire acetone sensor with uniform Co3O4 nanoparticle decoration

Abstract

In this study, the synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) decorated onto SnO2 nanowires (NWs) was achieved through a meticulous vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process coupled with a hydrothermal approach. The paramount objective was to amplify the gas sensing efficacy and refine the detection threshold of the acetone gas sensor. This endeavor encompassed a twofold enhancement strategy: the optimization of Co3O4 NP dimensions and their uniform dispersion across the SnO2 NW surface. This orchestrated approach yielded a remarkable 17-fold augmentation in the sensor's responsiveness towards 50 ppm acetone gas, as compared to sensors employing solely synthesized pure SnO2 NWs. Moreover, discernible sensor responses were adeptly elicited even at a minute concentration of 0.1 ppm acetone gas. A discernible advancement was discerned in contrast to antecedent research, reflecting substantial refinement in both response characteristics and the sensor's capacity to detect trace acetone gas levels. This heightened sensing proficiency can be attributed to the aptly tailored dimensions of Co3O4 NPs, harmoniously dispersed onto the SnO2 NW surface. This precise distribution engenders a pivotal p-n heterojunction, thereby eliciting the observed enhancement in sensing performance.