Room-temperature solution synthesis of Bi2O3 nanowires for gas sensing application

A simple room-temperature solution chemical route for bulk synthesis of high quality alpha-Bi2O3 nanowires has been demonstrated. The nanowires have a diameter of about 50 nm and a length in the range of several to tens of micrometers. It was found that oleic acid played an important role in directing the growth of alpha-Bi2O3 nanowires along the [10 (2) over bar] direction, and the diameter of the nanowires increased with an increase of the reaction temperature. Furthermore, the Bi2O3 nanowire sensors are highly sensitive to ppm-levels of NO2 in ambient air with fast response, good selectivity and stability, indicating their potential applications for environmental monitoring and pollution control.