Surfactant CATB-assisted generation and gas-sensing characteristics of LnFeO3 (Ln = La, Sm, Eu) materials

Perovskite structure of LnFeO(3) (Ln = La, Sin, and Eu) oxides with uniform particle size was prepared by the cationic surfactant CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) assisting method from the inorganic precursor and alkali source (Ln-chlorate, FeCl3 and NH4OH). The final products were characterized and the results showed that the pure and high crystalline perovskite structure of LnFeO(3) materials were obtained after calcining at 850 degrees C. Gas sensors of the indirect-heating structure using LnFeO(3) as sensitive materials were fabricated on alumina tube with Au electrodes and platinum wires. The gas-sensing characteristics of LnFeO(3) to acetone, gasoline, and formaldehyde were investigated and exhibited good response properties to acetone (LaFeO3) gasoline (SmFeO3), and formaldehyde (EuFeO3) gases, respectively. The LnFeO(3) oxides-based on gas sensors enable them to be promising candidates for the detection of the gases in monitoring environment. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.