A precursor route to single-crystalline WO3 nanoplates with an uneven surface and enhanced sensing properties

A W-containing inorganic–organic nanohybrid with a plate-like morphology has been successfully prepared through a nonaqueous synthetic route using WCl6 as the tungsten source and benzyl alcohol as the solvent. The as-prepared hybrid nanomaterial was used directly as an efficient precursor for the formation of WO3 nanoplates via a simple thermal treatment process. The as-obtained WO3 material maintains the plate-like morphology of the precursor and possesses a unique uneven surface structure. It is noted that the use of a inorganic–organic hybrid precursor is essential for the creation of an uneven surface on the WO3 nanoplates, which exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of acetone vapour at a relatively low operating temperature (200 °C). The excellent sensing performance of the WO3 nanomaterial is attributed to its unique uneven surface structure besides the small particle size and ultrathin morphology.