Ultrahigh-acetone-sensitivity sensor based on Pt-loaded TiO2 porous nanoparticles synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method

Abstract

Abstract A simple hydrothermal method based on an orthogonal experimental design was used to synthesis Pt-loaded TiO2 mesoporous nanoparticles in one step. The successful synthesis of Pt-loaded TiO2 nanoparticles was demonstrated by various characterization methods. The effects of the modification of Pt and its explanation are described in detail by means of the test results. Through systematic gas-sensing tests, we found that the Pt-loaded TiO2 nanoparticles outperform pure TiO2 nanoparticles, with a high response value (S = 42.5) to 200 ppm acetone at 260 °C and with a film thickness of 0.45 mm, far superior to that of pure TiO2. The response time (8 s) and recovery time (11 s) of the material are also relatively good with excellent selectivity and long-term stability (30 days). The frequent use of acetone as an organic solution in factories and laboratories, as well as the possibility of making a preliminary diagnosis of diabetes by detecting acetone levels in exhaled gas, make this work promising for environmental monitoring and medical diagnosis.