Ionic liquid precursor-based synthesis of CuO nanoplates for gas sensing and amperometric sensing applications

An ionic liquid precursor benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (BTMAH) is explored to synthesize CuO particles. The ionic liquid BTMAH is demonstrated to be effective for synthesis of CuO nanoplates with controlled size. The effect of the copper salt and BTMAH concentration on the final products is investigated. Specifically, the gas-sensing properties of the synthesized CuO nanoplate particles to various organic compounds (ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, toluene) exhibit superior sensitivities, and fast response/recovery times. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) of the as-prepared CuO nanoplate particles reveal good electroactivity for the oxidation/reduction of H2O2, which results in an effective amperometric H2O2 sensor.