Study on gas sensing characteristics of LaFeO3 sensor under multi-wavelength light illumination.

• The LaFeO 3 sensor has a low optimum operating temperature of 110 °C. • Multi-wavelength light illumination improved the sensor's response. • The sensor's response to 30 ppm ethanol was 154.5 under 370 nm light illumination. • The sensor's response to 30 ppm methanol was 109.3 under 370 nm light illumination. The LaFeO 3 (500–900 °C) powders were prepared using the sol–gel method. Multi-wavelength light illumination improved the LaFeO 3 (700 °C) sensor's response. Under the 370 nm light illumination, the LaFeO 3 (700 °C) sensor's responses to 30 ppm ethanol and methanol were 154.5 and 109.3 at 110 °C, and the response/recovery times were 70/127 s and 82/136 s. The LaFeO 3 planar electrode sensor had a high response value to ethanol and methanol. Its high response value and low working temperature have great potential for gas detection in an unknown environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]