Preparation of Pd nanoparticle-modified FeWO₄ hollow spheres for highly selective hydrogen sulfide and acetone detection

Abstract

The development of a highly responsive and selective gas sensor for volatile organic compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide and acetone, is still required. In this study, FeWO₄ hollow spheres modified with Pd nanoparticles were synthesized using ammonium phosphotungstate hydrate dodecahedra as sacrificial templates followed by liquid-phase reduction. The morphologies, microstructures, and gas-sensing characteristics of as-prepared sensing nanomaterials have been investigated. The tiny Pd nanoparticles are well anchored on the FeWO₄ hollow spheres. At the working temperature of 280 °C, the 3 wt.% Pd/FeWO₄ hollow sphere sensor exhibits higher sensitivity to acetone and ethanol gasses than unmodified FeWO₄ hollow spheres, as well as good repeatability and fast response. Meanwhile, the 3-Pd/FeWO₄ hollow sphere sensor at a low operation temperature of 25 °C exhibits a high response of 2.3–10 ppm hydrogen sulfide with excellent selectivity, which is much stronger than that of the FeWO₄ sensor. The outstanding performance of the 3-Pd/FeWO₄ hollow sphere sensor is attributable to its exceptional hollow microstructure with a high specific surface area and the catalytic properties of Pd nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

FeWO₄ / hollow structure / Pd nanoparticle / gas sensor / hydrogen sulfide / acetone

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