H2 sensors based on WO3 thin films activated by platinum nanoparticles synthesized by electroless process

Abstract Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized on tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) thin films by electroless process without any further post-treatment. The prepared Pt nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Gas sensors based on the Pt–WO 3 films were found to provide repeatable and significant responses to ppm-level H 2 . The size of Pt nanoparticles increases with the deposition time and has improved the sensing characteristics of the sensors. The work in this paper paves a facile way to the fabrication of Pt nanoparticles on metal oxide surface at a low temperature (68 °C).