Facile Synthesis, Microstructure, and Gas Sensing Properties of NdCoO3 Nanoparticles

NdCoO3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible solution method for gas sensing applications. Cobalt nitrate, neodymium nitrate, and ethylenediamine were used as precursors and distilled water as solvent. The solvent was evaporated later by means of noncontinuous microwave radiation at 290 W. The obtained precursor powders were calcined at 200, 500, 600, and 700 degrees C in a standard atmosphere. The oxide crystallized in an orthorhombic crystal system with space group Pnma (62) and cell parameters a = 5.33 angstrom, b = 7.52 angstrom, and c = 5.34 angstrom. The nanoparticles showed a diffusional growth to form a network-like structure and porous adsorption configuration. Pellets prepared from NdCoO3 were tested as gas sensors in atmospheres of carbon monoxide and propane at different temperatures. The oxide nanoparticles were clearly sensitive to changes in gas concentrations (0-300 ppm). The sensitivity increased with increasing concentration of the gases and operating temperatures (25, 100, 200, and 300 degrees C)