Enhanced n-butanol sensing performance of Co3O4/LaFeO3 nanocomposites

Co3O4 and LaFeO3 composites were successfully prepared by sol–gel method and hydrothermal method. The morphology test results showed that Co3O4 nanoparticles uniformly attached to the surface of LaFeO3 nano-bricks. Gas sensing tests results showed that sensors based on Co3O4/LaFeO3 have lower operating temperatures and higher response than those of pure Co3O4 and LaFeO3, and better performance in response/recovery time and selectivity. The sample of Co3O4 and LaFeO3 with molar ratio of 1:1 is the best among all samples, with the response of 54.21 for 100 ppm n-butanol and 6.54 for 1 ppm n-butanol at 150 °C. The heterojunction and porous structure of Co3O4/LaFeO3 composite materials are the main reasons for improving its gas sensing performance. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.