Nanostructured metal oxides synthesized by hard template method for gas sensing applications

In order to increase the surface area, mesoporous oxides have been synthesized. In this work, we have used mesoporous silica SBA-15 and KIT-6 as a template for the synthesis of different semiconductor oxides: CeO2 and WO3. These materials show a small particle size, about 5–10 nm, and a high surface area. As required increase the sensitivity when used for gas sensing applications. XRD and HRTEM studies reveal that the silica host has been completely removed; therefore, the nanowires constitute a self-supported superlattice.