CuO nanograins: synthesis and acetone vapour detection

A basic electrospinning technique was utilised for the preparation of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)/CuO nanofibers with high aspect ratio. The morphology studies were performed with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and confirmed the formation of CuO nanograins from the nanofibers after calcination. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the presence of CuO in nanograins as single-phase monoclinic structure. The sensing performance of the CuO nanograins obtained from electrospun nanofibers was studied with various Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The CuO nanograins sensing studies showed good response to acetone vapour at elevated temperatures. The transient analysis showed a very rapid response and recovery time towards acetone vapour at an operating temperature of 350 degrees C. CuO nanograins could detect a wide range of acetone vapour concentration ranging from 2 to 1155 ppm at 350 degrees C.

Automated summary

A simple electrospinning technique was used to create high aspect ratio PVA/CuO nanofibers, with studies confirming the formation of CuO nanograins. The CuO nanograins were found to exist in a single-phase monoclinic structure and showed good sensing response to acetone vapor at elevated temperatures.