Nanobelt-assembled nest-like MoO3 hierarchical structure: Hydrothermal synthesis and gas-sensing properties.

We report the synthesis of novel nest-like MoO 3 hierarchical structures with nanobelts as building blocks via a facile hydrothermal process. A comparison study reveals that an enhanced gas sensing performance for the sensor made of nanobelt-assembled nest-like MoO 3 towards ethanol occurs over that of the monodispersed MoO 3 nanobelts. The improved gas sensing properties are mainly attributed to the well-aligned nanoporous structures with a less stacking configuration, which provides sufficient nano or micro reaction rooms for chemical reaction as well as effective diffusion channels for gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]