(50c) Electrospun Composite Nanofibers for Highly Selective Propane Detection at High Temperature Based on Its Rapid Reaction Kinetics

Metal oxide composite nanofibers (NFs) were successfully prepared by electrospinning and a subsequent calcination process. The morphology, composition and crystal structure of the as-prepared nanofibers were detailed characterized. The as-prepared nanofibers possess an average diameter of 89 ± 10 nm. The gas sensing performance of the as-prepared nanofibers towards CO, CH₄ and C₃H₈ was investigated at 800 ^oC, which shows an excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards C₃H₈. The sensing mechanism of the enhanced selectivity for C₃H₈ is proposed. Different reaction kinetics of different reducing gases on the as-prepared nanofibers and the response offset effect of n-type metal oxide and p-type metal oxide in the composite nanofibers are ascribed to be responsible for the excellent selectivity to C₃H₈ over CO and CH₄ under the tested conditions.