Nanoparticles-assembled Co3O4 nanorods p-type nanomaterials: One-pot synthesis and toluene-sensing properties

One dimensional (1D) Co3O4 nanorods have been synthesized by a simple one-pot solvothermal method. Field emission scanning electron microscopic and transmission electron microscopic results revealed that the Co3O4 samples were rod-like structure with a diameter of 50 nm, where the subunits were irregularshaped nanoparticles. The response to 10 ppm toluene of the rod-like Co3O4-based sensor was 6.0 at 200 C, which was about 6 times higher than that of the commercial Co3O4 powder. Interestingly, the rodlike Co3O4-based sensor exhibited not only a high response but also faster response and recovery speeds to toluene gases. The good sensing performance suggests that this unique rod-like Co304 nanostructure could be a promising candidate as a sensing material for gas sensor. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.