No abstract

Because of the robustness and high catalytic activity of p-type CuO semiconducting nanostructures, they are applied as sensing materials for various gases. However, pristine CuO materials exhibit relatively low sensing performance to some gases, such as SO 2 and H 2 . Here, we demonstrate an enhancement in the gas-sensing characteristics of CuO nanoplates through surface decoration with Pd nanoparticles. CuO nanoplates were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, and Pd nanoparticles were decorated effectively via a directed room-temperature reducing pathway without need for stabilizing agents. The Pd-CuO nanoplates exhibited superior sensitivity, fast response, and recovery times to SO 2 and H 2 compared with their pristine CuO counterpart. The gas-sensing mechanism is discussed from the perspective of the heterojunction between Pd and CuO, as well as the catalytic activity of Pd for the dissociation of gaseous molecules. Such Pd-CuO nanoplate-based sensors could be effectively applied for SO 2 and H 2 gas monitoring.