VOCs sensing properties of samarium oxide nanorods

Samarium oxide (Sm2O3) nanorods were prepared by a facile hydrothermal route using cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as an organic surfactant. The structural and morphological characteristics of the synthesized nanorods were studied by different techniques including FESEM, XRD, EDS, and FTIR. The results showed the formation of Sm2O3 nanorods made of a single cubic crystalline phase. Sm2O3 nanorods were investigated for the development of conductometric sensors for the indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment. For this scope, the sensing properties of Sm2O3 nanorods towards some representative volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the indoor environment, such as acetone, ethanol and formaldehyde, were evaluated. The investigation of Sm2O3 nanorods sensing properties towards low ppm of acetone revealed good sensitivity and selectivity than ethanol and formaldehyde. At an operating temperature of 250 °C, the response to 1 ppm of acetone was 3.41 (Rgas/Rair) with a relatively fast response and recovery times of 125 and 43 s, respectively. The good performances registered allow to propose the developed device as an acetone sensor for IAQ assessment.