Mesoporous WO3 modified by Au nanoparticles for enhanced trimethylamine gas sensing properties

In this paper, KIT-6 is used as a template to prepare ordered mesoporous materials WO3 and Au-loaded WO3 (Au-WO3). The pristine WO3 sensor and the Au-WO3 sensor are fabricated for the detection of 19 important gases, such as trimethylamine, formaldehyde and CS2. The results show that the Au-WO3 sensor has better selectivity and higher response to TMA. At a working temperature of 268 degrees C, the response (R-a/R-g) of the Au-WO3 sensor to 100 ppm of TMA is 41.56 and the response time is 1 s. In addition, the sensor has excellent response/recovery capabilities and stability. These high sensing performances are mainly attributed to the electronic and chemical sensitization of the noble metal Au and the presence of a high specific surface area supported by the mesoporous structure. Therefore, Au-doped mesoporous WO3 should be a promising material for a high performance TMA gas sensor.

Automated summary

In this study, ordered mesoporous materials WO3 and Au-loaded WO3 (Au-WO3) sensors were prepared using KIT-6 as a template. The Au-WO3 sensor showed better selectivity and higher response to TMA gas compared to the pristine WO3 sensor. With a working temperature of 268 degrees C, the Au-WO3 sensor exhibited a response (Ra/Rg) of 41.56 to 100 ppm TMA with a response time of 1 second, as well as excellent response/recovery capabilities and stability. The high sensing performances are mainly attributed to the electronic and chemical sensitization of the noble metal Au and the presence of a high specific surface area supported by the mesoporous structure, making Au-doped mesoporous WO3 a promising material for high performance TMA gas sensors.