Fe2O3/ZnO core–shell nanorods for gas sensors

Fe2O3/ZnO core/shell nanorods were prepared by a solution phase controlled hydrolysis method, and were characterized by XRD, BET and TEM techniques. The surface area of these core/shell nanorods is higher than that of bulk ZnO sensor materials, and in our experiments, the resultant Fe2O3/ZnO gas sensor exhibited a high response, good stability and a short response/recovery time in the detection of low concentrations of various combustible gases. The response/recovery time was less than 20 s, and the response decreased slightly after 4 months.