Characteristics of TiO₂ nanotube gas sensor prepared by hydrothermal treatment

Preparation and morphology control of TiO₂ nano powders for gas sensor applications are investigated. TiO₂ nanopowders with rutile and anatase structures were prepared by controlling the pH value of a precursor solution without any heat treatment. The mean particle size of TiO₂ powders were below 10 nm. The prepared TiO₂ nano powders were hydrothermal treated by NaOH solution. The sample was washed in HCl solution. As a result and TiO₂ nanotubes were formed. The lengths of TiO₂ nanotube were 1 μm and the diameters were 10 nm. Crystal structure and microstructure of TiO₂ nanotube were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). As-prepared TiO₂ nanotube powders have several advantages of nano particle size and high surface area and could be a prominent candidate for non-sensors. The sensitivity of TiO₂ nanotube sensor was measured for toluene and NO in this study.