Template-free synthesis of Cu2O–Co3O4 core–shell composites and their application in gas sensing

Abstract

Cu₂O–Co₃O₄ core–shell composites were prepared via a hydrothermal method. The influences of the molar ratio of Cu/Co and reaction time on the morphology of Cu₂O–Co₃O₄ core–shell composites were studied in detail. A possible mechanism was proposed on the basis of a series of experiments. Furthermore, these core–shell composites were integrated into a sensorial structure, which exhibited excellent ethanol sensing properties. These properties make the Cu₂O–Co₃O₄ core–shell composites good candidates for ethanol detection.