Improved acetone sensing performance of Pr6O11-loaded ZnO nanorods

To improve the acetone sensing performance of ZnO nanorods, Pr-doped ZnO nanorods were prepared by a hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, SEM and XPS. The results indicate that the Pr dopant existed in the form of Pr6O11 nanoparticles covering the ZnO nanorods. Among all sensors with the mole ratio of Pr/Zn as 0, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.1, the Pr6O11-loaded ZnO sensor with Pr/Zn as 0.05 exhibited the highest gas response (47.7) to 100 ppm acetone with relatively high repeatability, stability and selectivity at the prime working temperature of 190 degrees C. The improved sensing performance can be ascribed to the larger electron depletion region and higher Schottky barrier height in the ZnO nanorods caused by the electron transfer from ZnO to Pr6O11 across the Pr6O11/ZnO interface.

Automated summary

Pr6O11-loaded ZnO sensor with a Pr/Zn ratio of 0.05 exhibited the highest gas response to acetone, with relatively high repeatability, stability, and selectivity. The improved sensing performance can be attributed to the larger electron depletion region and higher Schottky barrier height in the ZnO nanorods caused by electron transfer from ZnO to Pr6O11 across the interface.