Synthesis and characterizations of highly responsive H2S sensor using p-type Co3O4 nanoparticles/nanorods mixed nanostructures

High-quality p-type semiconducting Co3O4 with mixed morphology of nanoparticles/nanorods are synthesized using a hydrothermal route for high response and selective hydrogen sulphide (H2S) sensor application. XRD and Raman studies revealed the crystal structure and molecular bonding for obtained Co3O4, respectively. The nanoparticles/nanorods-like structures were confirmed for Co3O4 using FESEM and TEM analysis. The EDS and XPS spectra analysis were carried out for elemental composition and chemical atomic states of Co3O4. The Co3O4 sensor is investigated for gas sensing properties in dynamic conditions. The sensor exhibited the highest selectivity towards H2S among various hydrogen-contained gases at 225 °C. The sensor revealed a high response of 357% and 44% for 100 and 10 ppm H2S gas concentrations, respectively. The Co3O4 sensor exhibited a systematic dynamic resistance response for 100–10 ppm range H2S gas. The excellent dynamic resistance repeatability of the sensor was shown towards 25 ppm H2S gas. The response of Co3O4 sensor was investigated at different operating temperatures and H2S concentrations. The sensor stability and H2S sensing mechanism for the Co3O4 sensor have been reported. Highly uniform and mixed nanostructures of Co3O4 can be the potential sensor material for real-time high-performance H2S sensor application.