Simple post-synthesis of mesoporous p-type Co3O4 nanochains for enhanced H2S gas sensing performance

In this paper, cobalt carbonate hydroxide (Co(CO3)(0.5)(OH)center dot 11H(2)O) nanowires were successfully fabricated by a simple hydrothermal route without using surfactants and by subsequent heat treatment in air at 600 degrees C for 5h to obtain mesoporous Co3O4 nanochains. As-synthesized nanochains with length of several micrometers consisted of well-linked Co3O4 nanoparticles with an average size of 50 nm. The sensor based on mesoporous Co3O4 nanochains was used to detect flammable and toxic gases, including H2S, NH3, CO, and H-2. Results showed potential of mesoporous Co3O4 nanochains as sensor material for detection of hydrogen sulfides at low concentration with rapid response. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.