High Sensing Properties of 3 wt % Pd-Doped SmFe1- xMg xO3 Nanocrystalline Powders to Acetone Vapor with Ultralow Concentrations under Light Illumination.

Nanocrystalline powders of 3 wt % Pd-doped SmFe1- xMg xO3 ( x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) were prepared by a sol-gel method and annealed at 750 °C. Pd:SmFe0.9Mg0.1O3 has a maximum response at 220 °C. When exposed to 0.5 ppm acetone vapor, the response of undoped SmFeO3 is 2.26 and the response of Pd:SmFe0.9Mg0.1O3 is 7.16. Under light illumination, Pd:SmFe0.9Mg0.1O3 has a better sensing performance and lower optimal operating temperature. The sensor shows good selectivity and stability for acetone vapor. The high response and good selectivity of Pd:SmFe0.9Mg0.1O3 to ultralow concentrations of acetone vapor indicate its potential for applications in many areas.