Reductive-gas sensor using iron oxide nanowires

We have proposed and developed a new gas sensor using the change in the permeability of iron oxide nanowires. α-Fe ₂ O ₃ nanowires are synthesized by the simple annealing of Fe bulks or films at 375°C in air. When the surface of α-Fe ₂ O ₃ nanowires is changed by a reductive gas into α-Fe ₂ O ₃ or Fe ₃ O ₄ , the permeability of the nanowires increases. Our sensor is based on the change in the permeability of the nanowires.