Construction of Zn2SnO4 decorated ZnO nanoparticles for sensing triethylamine with dramatically enhanced performance

Herein, a novel Zn2SnO4 decorated ZnO nanoparticle with an average particle size of about 30 nm (Zn2SnO4/ZnO) was prepared by simple hydrothermal method in combination with subsequent high temperature calcination. The phase and morphology of all as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The gas sensor measurement results show that the optimal working temperature of the sensor based on 8 at%-Zn2SnO4/ZnO is 180 degrees C. The sensor has fast response speed, low detection limit and good selectivity. In addition, it shows a good linear response to triethylamine (TEA) in the range of 5-50 ppm. The significant enhancement of response and selectivity of Zn2SnO4/ZnO sensor was attributed to the heterostructure formed between Zn2SnO4 and ZnO, which enhanced the chemisorption of oxygen and simultaneously regulated the carrier concentration.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel Zn2SnO4 decorated ZnO nanoparticle with an average particle size of 30 nm was prepared by hydrothermal method and high temperature calcination. The characterization of the samples was conducted using XRD, FESEM, EDS, and TEM. Gas sensor measurements demonstrated that the sensor based on 8% Zn2SnO4/ZnO showed optimal performance at 180 degrees Celsius, with fast response speed, low detection limit, and good selectivity.