Simple Route to Obtain Nanostructured CeO2 Microspheres and CO Gas Sensing Performance

Abstract In this work, nanostructured CeO2 microspheres with high surface area and mesoporosity were prepared by the coprecipitation method, in absence of a template. The reaction between cerium nitrate and concentrated formic acid produced cerium formate, at room temperature. Further, calcination at 300 °C yielded single-phase CeO2 microspheres, with a diameter in the range 0.5–2.6 μm, the surface of these microspheres is completely nanostructured (diameter about 30–90 nm). CeO2 microspheres were used to fabricate a sensor device, and it was tested for intermediate CO gas concentrations (200–800 ppm). The detection of 200 ppm carbon monoxide was observed at 275 °C, with a response time of 9 s, using an applied frequency of 100 kHz. The detection of changes on the CO gas concentration was studied at different temperatures and applied frequencies. The results revealed a reproducible and stable gas sensing response.