Porous Au-embedded WO3 Nanowire Structure for Efficient Detection of CH4 and H2S

We developed a facile method to fabricate highly porous Au-embedded WO3 nanowire structures for efficient sensing of CH4 and H2S gases. Highly porous single-wall carbon nanotubes were used as template to fabricate WO3 nanowire structures with high porosity. Gold nanoparticles were decorated on the tungsten nanowires by dipping in HAuCl4 solution, followed by oxidation. The surface morphology, structure, and electrical properties of the fabricated WO3 and Au-embedded WO3 nanowire structures were examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and current-voltage measurements. Formation of a nanowire structure resulted in significant enhancement in sensing response to H2S and CH4 gases. Furthermore, Au embedment into the WO3 nanowire structures remarkably improved the performance of the sensors. The increase in response performance of sensors and adsorption-desorption kinetic processes on the sensing layers were discussed in relation with the role of Au embedment.