Eddygp - 31-3-2012 at 09:21
The reaction between CuO and CO forms copper and carbon dioxide. Would this make copper(II) oxide suitable for a carbon monoxide detector?
CuO + CO = Cu + CO2
Bearing in mind the different properties, e.g. conducting electricity, it could be possible to do it.
stygian - 31-3-2012 at 09:26
The mono and divalent species are both semiconductors. Unless you're skilled enough in electronics to measure those slight differences,...
Endimion17 - 31-3-2012 at 10:50
Yes, if we lived on Venus. 
That reaction is very slow at room temperatures.
Plus, it's a reaction with a solid phase that doesn't change its state. Any measurement of electrical properties would yield lots of engineering
problems.
If you wanted to measure the change in conductivity, you'd have to use a fine powder od CuO through which the air would have to be passed in a
constant rate. If you use loosely packed powder, the differences in the conductivity would occur upon stressing the container. If you use stuffed
powder, passing air would be difficult if not impossible. If you use a solid piece of CuO (small monocrystal), electrodes touching it wouldn't allow
the monoxide to react with it. Problems, problems, problems.
AJKOER - 4-4-2012 at 21:43
I would also try Fe2O3 in place of CuO (Iron is a more reactive metal).
Passing air containing CO over heated Fe2O3 could liberate a small amount of Fe that may change electrical resistance (and perhaps magnetic
properties) that may be measurable.
Heating Iron Oxalate yields a very fine Iron powder which you could use to form the Fe2O3.
Good luck.