In the present work, pure BiFeO3 (BFO) particles were synthesized by sol-gel
method and mixed with carbon fibre to form composites (x%CFs-BFO, where x
corresponds to 0, 4, 8 and 10 wt.%) by hydrothermal treatment at 150?C. The
resulting composite powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman
spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM-EDX). The synthesized powders were used for gas sensors
preparation by manual deposition of their mixture with polyvinyl alcohol on
alumina tubes ending with two silver electrodes. The impedance of the
sensitive layers was determined by impedance spectroscopy in the temperature
range 100-250?C at different gaseous concentrations. The detection
properties of the fabricated sensors for various volatile organic compounds
were investigated. The sensors showed better sensitivity to acetone compared
to other gases. The addition of carbon fibres improved the sensitivity to
acetone vapour from 64 to 135% at 100 ppm and reduced the optimum operating
temperature of the sensors by 20?C and the response and recovery times from
(26 s/15 s) to (18 s/10 s). This study revealed that x%CFs-BiFeO3 composites
are promising candidates for gas sensors.