Hydrothermal synthesis of FeP4 and Fe2P-loaded α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres and applications in gas sensors

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Chemical, 2014-04, Vol.194, p.27-32
• Main Authors: Liu, Qi, Yang, Yong, Sun, Bing, Su, Dawei, Li, Zhanfeng, Xia, Qinghong, Wang, Guoxiu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: FeP4 and Fe2P-loaded α-Fe2O3; Gas sensing; Hollow spheres; Hydrothermal synthesis; Morphology; Scanning electron microscopy; Sensors; Solvents; Synthesis; X-ray diffraction; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; X-rays
• ISSN: 0925-4005; 1873-3077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2013.12.070

The FeP4 and Fe2P doped hematite (α-Fe2O3) hollow spheres were synthesized, and their gas-sensing performances were significantly improved. FeP4 and Fe2P-loaded hematite (α-Fe2O3) (FFH) hollow spheres with a diameter of 130–410nm were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the FFH hollow spheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isothermal measurements revealed that the FFH hollow spheres have larger BET surface area and mesopores. The gas-sensing performance of the FFH hollow spheres was investigated towards a series of typical organic solvents and fuels. The FFH hollow spheres exhibited a superior sensitivity towards flammable and irritant gases. The possible sensing mechanism of the FFH hollow spheres sensor is also proposed.