Organometallic Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles: Application in Low‐Temperature CO Detection

Abstract

A metal–organic approach has been employed for the preparation of anisotropic CuO nanoparticles. These nanostructures have been characterized by transmission and high resolution transmission electron microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CuO nanoparticles have been deposited as gas‐sensitive layers on miniaturized silicon devices. At an operating temperature of 210 °C, the sensors present an optimum response toward carbon monoxide correlated with a fast response (Rn) and short recovery time. A high sensitivity to CO (Rn≈150 %, 100 ppm CO, RH 50 %) is achieved. These CuO nanoparticles serve as a very promising sensing layer for the fabrication of selective CO gas sensors working at a low temperature.