Structural design of highly permeable Bi2O3 microspheres decorated by Pt-nanoparticles: facile synthesis and acetic acid sensing performance

Abstract

Real-time detection of acetic acid vapor is of concern for ensuring environmental and personal safety. However, acetic acid gas sensors, particularly those based on Bi2O3, often fail to meet practical performance requirements owing to their slow response characteristics and high operating temperature. To enhance sensing performance, highly permeable Bi2O3 microspheres decorated by Pt-nanoparticles are rationally synthesized by a facile template method. Among the fabricated sensors, the one based on 3 wt% Pt-decorated Bi2O3 demonstrated excellent sensing performance. Specifically, the sensor displayed high selectivity for acetic acid, rapid response and recovery times (22.5 and 9 s, respectively), strong resistance to interference, and good long-term stability at a low operating temperature (150 degrees C). Notably, the sensor exhibited an exceptionally high response of 126 to 100 ppm acetic acid-the highest reported value for Bi2O3-based sensors tested at a relatively low operating temperature in recent years. These results demonstrate that Pt-decorated Bi2O3 holds strong potential for use in high-performance acetic acid sensors.