Synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles for nitrogen dioxide gas sensing applications

Iron (III) oxide, Fe2O3, nanoparticles of approximately 40 nm diameter were synthesized by sol–gel method and their nitrogen dioxide adsorption and desorption kinetics were investigated by custom fabricated gas sensor unit. The morphology and crystal structure of Fe2O3 nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively. The roughness of film surface was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Relative sensitivity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles for NO2 sensor was determined by electrical resistance measurements. Our reproducible experimental results show that Fe2O3 nanoparticles have a great potential for nitrogen dioxide sensing applications operating at a temperature of 200 °C.