Fabrication of SWNTs/α-Fe2O3 as room-temperature LPG sensor

A simple fabrication of liquid petroleum gas sensor based on SWNTs/α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite films is reported. SWNTs/α-Fe₂O₃ films were successfully synthesized through the vertical floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition method using ferrocene-ethanol mist, followed by annealing in air at 350°C to create α-Fe₂O₃. To fabricate a sensor, carbon conductive electrodes were directly deposited on top of the SWNTs/α-Fe₂O₃ films. SWNTs/α-Fe₂O₃ growth conditions (deposition time and ferrocene/ethanol ratio) were optimized to improve sensor response. The sensor had the capability to detect LPG at a concentration as low as 0.2% LEL (lower explosive limit), indicating possible applications in LPG monitoring at room temperature.