Preparation of porous α-Fe2O3-supported Pt and its sensing performance to volatile organic compounds

Porous α-Fe2O3 was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal treatment of FeCl3 aqueous solution followed by a calcination process. In the synthesis of porous α-Fe2O3, no templates or pore-directing agents were used. The as-prepared porous α-Fe2O3 was further employed as a support for loading Pt nanoparticles. The gas sensing performance of the obtained porous α-Fe2O3-supported Pt to VOCs was investigated. The sensor presented a high response and fast response-recovery characteristic to several VOCs including acetone, ether, methanol, ethanol, butanol and hexanol. Meanwhile, it exhibited a much higher response than the pure α-Fe2O3 at the operating temperature of 260°C. The enhanced sensing properties may be related to the unique porous structure of the α-Fe2O3 support and the promoting effect of active Pt nanoparticles for the sensing reactions.