Enhanced sensitivity of Au@Bi(2)WO(6) flower-like materials to formaldehyde

Bi(2)WO(6) flower-like materials (FMs) were prepared by a hydrothermal method, followed by an in-situ reduction method to prepare Au@Bi(2)WO(6) FMs. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to characterize the samples. It was discovered that the calculated O(V) content of Au@Bi(2)WO(6) FMs is 25.16% whereas that of Bi(2)WO(6) FMs is 20.81%, offering appropriate active sites for the absorption of gases and thus enhancing outstanding sensing property. Moreover, the detection of volatile and hazardous substances such as formaldehyde, methanol, acetone, benzene, toluene, and xylene was carried out to assess the efficacy of the Au@Bi(2)WO(6) FMs sensors. The optimal operating temperatures for the Bi(2)WO(6) FMs and Au@Bi(2)WO(6) FMs sensors were 290 and 260 °C, respectively. Compared with Au@Bi(2)WO(6) FMs sensor and Bi(2)WO(6) FMs one, the best response of the front was 250 (900)–100 (800) ppm formaldehyde whereas that of the latter was 90 (230). Therefore, Au@ Bi(2)WO(6) FMs have good response and selectivity, which are promising candidates for formaldehyde detection.