Synthesis of nearly monodisperse Co3O4 nanocubes via a microwave-assisted solvothermal process and their gas sensing properties

Abstract Nearly monodisperse Co 3 O 4 nanocubes have been prepared by a microwave-assisted solvothermal (MS) method at 180 °C for 20 min. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD pattern and TEM images of the products illustrated that Co 3 O 4 nanocubes had a cubic phase with a lateral size of ∼20 nm. The gas response of the Co 3 O 4 nanocubes was studied to several typical organic gases. The Co 3 O 4 nanocubes showed good gas sensing performance towards xylene and ethanol vapors with rapid and high responses at a low-operating temperature. The results showed that the Co 3 O 4 nanocubes can be used to fabricate high performance gas sensors.