Rough SmFeO3 nanofibers as an optimization ethylene glycol gas sensor prepared by electrospinning

Abstract In this study, perovskite samarium ferrite (SmFeO3) nanofibers have been successfully fabricated by electrospinning route and calcination process. The as-prepared sample was characterized by various technologies. The results show that the surfaces of SmFeO3 nanofibers are of extreme depression and roughness, which increases contact area between gases and material surface, contributing to enhancing gas sensing properties. The sensor based on as-prepared SmFeO3 nanofibers owns good response and distinct selectivity to ethylene glycol, and response value reaches 18.19 to 100 ppm ethylene glycol at 240 °C, even to 5 ppm ethylene glycol with high response value of 2.18. In addition, the gas sensing mechanism based on hole accumulation layer model was explained in detail.