Solvothermal synthesis of 3D leaf-like α-Fe2O3 and its gas-sensing properties research

3D leaf-like Alpha-iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanostructure and other nanomorphologies were fabricated by adding different ethanol content in ethanol-water mixed solvent under a simple solvothermal route. The structures and morphologies of nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission electron scanning microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their morphologies and gas-sensing properties were mainly studied. The sensor synthesized in 80 vol% ethanol-water as the solvent exhibited lower operating temperature (260 °C), higher response and shorter Response/recovery time (about 8 s and 9 s). The results indicated that 3D leaf-like iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanostructure was a potential candidate for fabricating effective acetone sensor.