Ultra-thin V2O5 nanowires: synthesis and gas sensing characteristics

Abstract This study presents the synthesis of vanadium oxide nanowires via a simple hydrothermal method and explores their potential as high-performance sensors for monitoring harmful gases, with a particular focus on NO 2 . The microstructure and morphology of the nanowires were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, powder x-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The vanadium oxide nanowire material demonstrates outstanding NO 2 gas sensing capabilities, detecting 5 ppm with a rapid response and high sensitivity at an optimal working temperature of 150 °C. It exhibits a relative resistance change of 70%, showcasing a sub-ppm detection limit. The V 2 O 5 nanowires exhibited good stability and high gas selectivity for NO 2 over other interfering gases (H 2 S, NH 3 , C 2 H 4 , and CO). The ultrathin structure of the nanowires holds promise for practical applications in developing NO 2 gas sensors. The study sheds light on the superior sensitivity of the V 2 O 5 gas sensor toward NO 2 at low temperatures, emphasizing the influence of the 1D structure on the sensing mechanism.