Synthesis and gas sensing properties of bundle-like α-Fe2O3 nanorods

Bundle-like alpha-Fe2O3 nanostructures were successfully synthesized by a simple calcination of beta-FeOOH precursor derived from a hydrothermal method in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray power diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that bundle-like nanostructures were composed of well-aligned single crystalline nanorods with the diameters of 20-30 nm and the lengths of 200-300 nm. The gas sensing properties of as-prepared products were investigated. It was found that the sensor based on alpha-Fe2O3 nanostructure exhibited high response, quick response-recovery, and good repeatability to acetone at 250 degrees C. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.