Abstract: Nanosized γ-Fe₂O₃ and γ-Fe₂O₃/SiO₂ complex oxides were prepared by the sol-gel method, and sensing elements were fabricated. Phase composition, grain size, part
icle size distribution of the nanosized oxides were characterized by TG-DTA,X
RD,TEM and Zetasize distribution respectively. The sensitivity of the sensing el
ements to CO, H₂, C₂H₄, C₆H₆ and the effects of calcination temperature on the sensitivity of two typical elements were examined. The operating temperature of elements to different gases was obtained. The results showed that phase transition temperature, thermal stability,catalytic activity and gas sensitivity of γ-Fe₂ O₃ were enhanced due to the SiO₂ present. The thermal stability of gas sensing and catalytic materials based on γ-Fe₂O₃ was expected to be basically solved.