One-step approach for preparing ozone gas sensors based on hierarchical NiCo2O4 structures

Abstract

Nanostructured semiconducting oxides have been used as resistive gas sensors of toxic and non-toxic gases, but little emphasis has been placed on ozone sensing. Here we present a new ozone gas sensor based on hierarchical NiCo2O4 cubic structures synthesized via a facile urea-assisted co-precipitation method and annealed at 450 degrees C, which showed a low detection level. Ozone detection was carried out through electrical measurements with an optimized performance at 200 degrees C, with fast response (similar to 32 s) and recovery (similar to 60 s) time with suitable concentration range (from 28 to 165 ppb) for technological applications. Furthermore, NiCO2O4 platelets are selective to ozone compared to other oxidizing and reducing gases. The low detection level can be attributed to the coexistence of 3D structures based on hexagonal platelet-like and porous flower-like shape, which were revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). In summary, NiCo2O4 is promising for detection of sub-ppb levels of ozone gas.