Abstract

One dimensional (1D) Co₃O₄ nanorods have been synthesized by a simple one-pot solvothermal method. Field emission scanning electron microscopic and transmission electron microscopic results revealed that the Co₃O₄ samples were rod-like structure with a diameter of 50 nm, where the subunits were irregular-shaped nanoparticles. The response to 10 ppm toluene of the rod-like Co₃O₄-based sensor was 6.0 at 200 °C, which was about 6 times higher than that of the commercial Co₃O₄ powder. Interestingly, the rod-like Co₃O₄-based sensor exhibited not only a high response but also faster response and recovery speeds to toluene gases. The good sensing performance suggests that this unique rod-like Co₃O₄ nanostructure could be a promising candidate as a sensing material for gas sensor.

Keywords

• P-type; 

• Co₃O₄; 

• 1D nanostructure; 

• Toluene sensing

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