Monodisperse WO3 hierarchical spheres synthesized via a microwave assisted hydrothermal method: time dependent morphologies and gas sensing characterization

Abstract

Monodisperse WO₃ hierarchical spheres were successfully synthesized via a microwave assisted hydrothermal method and a subsequent annealing process. The synthesis was performed using peroxopolytungstic acid as a precursor in the presence of sodium sulfate. The effects of hydrothermal reaction time on the microstructure were also investigated and discussed. It is found that the reaction time influences the morphologies in terms of particle sizes and dispersities. A gas sensor based on the as-prepared WO₃ was fabricated and tested. The results revealed that the sensor showed relatively good selectivity and repeatability to acetone vapour. When the acetone concentration was in the range of 100 to 1000 ppm, the relationship between the response and the acetone concentration exhibited a good linearity.