Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles synthesized and their enhanced acetone sensing properties

Abstract

Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles have been synthesized by a facile two-step hydrothermal method. The structures, morphologies and surface compositions of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results show that we have prepared higher purity Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles. The gas-sensing properties of pure and Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles on acetone vapor were further investigated. The results obtained show that the response-recovery time of the two samples prepared is relatively short compared to that reported in the current literature. The Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles are significantly more sensitive and selective than the pure WO3 nanoparticles. This may be mainly attributed to the synergy between Au and WO3. It is expected that the Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles thus prepared can also be used for research in other fields.