SnO₂-doped α-Fe₂O₃ patulous microtubes for high performance formaldehyde sensing^*

SnO₂-doped α-Fe₂O₃ patulous microtubes (SFPNs) are synthesized by an electrospinning method. The as-synthesized materials are characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray powder diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The gas sensing results show SFPNs possess an excellent sensing property to formaldehyde. The response value of SFPNs gas sensor to 50 ppm formaldehyde is 25.4 at 220 °C. The lowest detecting limit of 1 ppm formaldehyde is 3.2. Response and recovery characteristic curves of SFPNs gas sensors to 1, 2, 3, 5, 5, 3, 2 and 1 ppm formaldehyde are also tested. The results show a good reversibility and repeatability of SFPNs gas sensors. The sensor exhibits a high selectivity in the presence of acetone, ethanol, toluene, ammonia, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and butane. Moreover, the sensor has a good long-time stability.