NO2 sensing properties of one-pot-synthesized ZnO nanowires with Pd functionalization

The application of NO2 sensor based on metal oxide semiconductor is limited due to high operating temperature and poor selectivity. In this work, a low-temperature and high-performance NO2 sensor based on Pd-functionalized ZnO nanowires (Pd-ZNWs) prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method was reported. The Pd was formed and self-assembled onto the surface of ZnO nanowires (ZNWs) during this one-pot hydrothermal process. Microstructure characterization of Pd-ZNWs indicated that the obtained ZNWs with diameter of 100-250 nm and length of 2-10 mu m had a single crystal hexagonal structure, and Pd/PdO nanoparticles of approximately 2-5 nm in diameter were distributed on their surface. Gas sensing measurement showed that Pd-ZNWs exhibited higher response, lower optimal operating temperature, and faster response/recovery speeds towards NO2 than those of pure ZNWs. The maximum responses of 1 mol%, 2 mol%, and 5 mol% Pd-ZNWs towards 1 ppm NO2 were 13.5, 9.4, and 9.4, respectively, which were obtained at a low operating temperature of 100 degrees C and 30% RH. Pd-ZNWs also showed a significant improvement in sensing selectivity towards NO2. At a high RH condition of 60%, the sensors based on pure and Pd-ZNWs still exhibited noticeable responses, fast response/recovery speeds, and good long-term stability to NO2 gas. The sensing mechanism of Pd-ZNWs towards NO2 was discussed by the combination of electronic and chemical sensitization.