Bioinspired synthesis and gas-sensing performance of porous hierarchical α-Fe2O3/C nanocomposites

Pollen grains of Brassica capestris are chosen as biotemplates to synthesize α-Fe2O3/C nanocomposite gas sensors. Thereinto, a small amount of carbon remains directly from the biotemplate, acts as a matrix for α-Fe2O3 and helps retaining the porous hierarchical architecture of pollen grains. The macro-/mesopore networks on the scaffolds of the biotemplated composites endow them with superior gas transportability and large surface areas. By virtue of such structure hierarchy, Fe2O3 nanocrystallites and multicomponent traits, the α-Fe2O3/C composite exhibits high sensitivity to methanol and acetone.