Enhanced ultra-stable n-propylamine sensing behavior of V2O5/In2O3 core–shell nanorods

Abstract

Heterostructured V₂O₅/In₂O₃ core–shell nanorods were prepared by the combination of solid solution and hydrothermal methods. Microstructural and spectroscopic studies reveal the effective core–shell hetero-nanostructure. The gas sensor based on these nanorods exhibits remarkable gas sensing properties in both static and dynamic modes. It presents an optimum working temperature of 190 °C, a reasonable response speed and high selectivity with an ultra-stable reproducible response for n-propylamine. The sensor also shows enhanced optimum sensitivity (∼14), which is 3.90 times that of the pure V₂O₅ nanorods. Such promising gas sensing behavior of the hetero-nanostructured core–shell nanorods is explained using an energy band model and a suitable gas sensing mechanism has been established as well.