Fe3O4–NiO core–shell composites: Hydrothermal synthesis and toluene sensing properties

• Published in: Materials letters 2014-10, Vol.132, p.167-170
• Main Authors: Qu, Fengdong, Wang, Yongfan, Liu, Juan, Wen, Shanpeng, Chen, Yu, Ruan, Shengping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Detection; Diffraction; Fe3O4–NiO; Nanocomposites; Semiconductors; Sensors; Shells; Synthesis; Toluene; X-ray diffraction; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; X-rays
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2014.06.060

Fe3O4–NiO core–shell composites were prepared via a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The synthesis was conducted in water–ethanol–butanol mixed solvent without any templates. The structure and morphology of the composites were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results showed that these porous architectures were assembled from Fe3O4 sphere core and NiO flower-like shells. To demonstrate the use of the composites, a chemical gas sensor has been fabricated and investigated for toluene detection. The sensor exhibits excellent toluene sensing performances in terms of high response, superior selectivity, and rapid response-recovery. •Fe3O4-NiO core-shell composites were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method.•The synthesis was conducted in water-ethanol-butanol solvent without any templates.•Sensor based on Fe3O4-NiO composites exhibits excellent toluene sensing performances.