Preparation and morphology controlling of Co3O4 nanostructures and their gas-sensing properties

Co3O4 nanorods and nanosheets were prepared via a facile fluorine-mediated hydrothermal method, followed by thermal conversion. Both the Co3O4 nanorods and nanosheets exhibited a spinel structure, assembling by 30 nm nanograin along one and two dimensions. The primary exposed facet of the Co3O4 nanorods was identified as (110), while the main exposed plane of the Co3O4 nanosheets was (112). Gas sensing results showed the Co3O4 nanorods sensor exhibited higher sensitivity. The Co3O4 nanorods sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivities to toluene and xylene at 200°C, making it a promising candidate for the detection of these specific volatile organic compounds. The response of the Co3O4 nanorods sensor to the test gases at 200°C.