Au-sensitized WO3 nanoparticles synthesized and their enhanced acetone sensing properties

Au-sensitized WO 3 nanoparticles have been synthesized by a facile two-step hydrothermal method. The structures, morphologies and surface compositions of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results show that we have prepared higher purity Au-sensitized WO 3 nanoparticles. The gas-sensing properties of pure and Au-sensitized WO 3 nanoparticles on acetone vapor were further investigated. The results obtained show that the response-recovery time of the two samples prepared is relatively short compared to that reported in the current literature. The Au-sensitized WO 3 nanoparticles are significantly more sensitive and selective than the pure WO 3 nanoparticles. This may be mainly attributed to the synergy between Au and WO 3 . It is expected that the Au-sensitized WO 3 nanoparticles thus prepared can also be used for research in other fields.