Enhanced acetone gas sensor based on Y-doped ErFeO3 prepared by electrospinning

Acetone is a common industrial chemical that can irritate the respiratory tract, damage the central nervous system, and pose health risks; it is also highly flammable and poses explosion hazards. Therefore, real-time detection of acetone is of paramount importance. In this study, acetone gas sensors were successfully fabricated with ErFeO 3 nanofibers doped with yttrium at different concentrations (0, 2, 4, and 6 at%), which were synthesized by a facile electrospinning method, and their gas-sensing properties were systematically investigated. Experimental results demonstrated that Y (yttrium) doping significantly enhances the gas-sensing performance of ErFeO 3 nanofibers. Specifically, EFO-4Y (Y/Er ratio = 4 at%) exhibited a response of 13.66 to 10 ppm acetone at 150 °C, representing a 2.29-fold increase compared to pure EFO. These sensors also demonstrated excellent selectivity, repeatability, and long-term stability. Compared with other reported acetone sensors, this sensor offers advantages including a simple synthesis method, a lower operating temperature, and a reduced detection limit (LOD). Consequently, Y-doped ErFeO 3 nanofibers can serve as a promising material for detecting low-concentration acetone.