Hierarchically structured LaFeO3 with hollow core and porous shell as efficient sensing material for ethanol detection

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Vol. 354; p. 131195
• Main Authors: Nga Phan, Thi To, My Dinh, Thi Tra, Duc Nguyen, Minh, Dan Li, Nhan Phan, Chi, Kien Pham, Trung, Tu Nguyen, Cong, Huyen Pham, Thanh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.03.2022; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Ammonia; Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide; Electron microscopy; Ethanol; Ferrites; Gas sensor; Gas sensors; Gases; Hollow core; Lanthanum compounds; Liquefied petroleum gas; Microscopy; P-type behavior; Perovskite; Porous surface; Selectivity; Sensors; Perovskite; Gas sensor; P-type behavior; Ethanol; Porous surface; Hollow core
• ISSN: 0925-4005; 1873-3077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2021.131195

Hollow LaFeO3 (LFO-HS) was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method with the use of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Its structural, morphological, microstructural and textual characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. The gas-sensing performance of LFO-HS sensor was studied towards different gases, including ammonia (NH3), ethanol (C2H5OH), acetone (CH3COCH3), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The LFO-HS sensor exhibited p-type gas sensing behavior and enhanced sensing performance towards ethanol gas as compared with bulk LaFeO3 sensor. A rapid, high, and stable response was seen at 300 °C. Meanwhile, a linear response and low limit of detection (1 ppb) to ethanol was observed. After the investigation on sensitivity to different reducing gases, our results revealed that the LFO-HS sensor exhibited good selectivity to ethanol and suggested it being a promising sensor candidate for future practical use in trace ethanol detection. •Hollow core and porous shell LaFeO3 (LFO-HS) was synthesized by a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method.•The enhancement of ethanol gas-sensing characteristic of LFO-HS relating to its structural and mophological properties.•Trace-level detection limit of ethanol (down to 1 ppb) of 6-lay LFO-HS gas sensor.•Gas sensing mechanism based on p-type semiconductor properties, generated from La vacancies.