Regulating the Sensitivity and Operating Temperatures by Morphology Engineering of 2D ZnO Nanostructures and 3D ZnO Microstructures for the Detection of Organic-Amines

Two-dimensional (2D) materials possess unique properties and advantages in catalysis, photo/-electronic and sensor devices. Here, we proposed a facile route to synthesize 2D ZnO nanoplates with grids by the oxalic-acid-assisted hydro thermal method. Morphology evolutions of ZnO from 3D flower-like microparticles to 2D nanonets were achieved by changing the heat-treatment temperature. By substitution for oxalic acid, 3D ZnO cagelike spheres and hexagonal prism were obtained. The results show that 2D and 3D morphologies of ZnO can be controlled easily by changing calcinations temperatures and additives. The as-prepared ZnO was used as sensing materials for the detection of volatile organic compounds, which indicate that their responses and selectivity are strongly dependent on the diversity of ZnO morphologies. Particularly, 2D ZnO nanonets-based sensor has been proved to detect triethylamine (TEA) efficiently, and it exhibits maximum sensitivity (213.3) on the exposure of 100 ppm triethylamine at 260 degrees C. Its transient response time is 1 s and recovery time is only 5 s exposed 300 ppm TEA, and the low detection limit is 63 ppb, implying 2D ZnO nanonets can be served as an efficient sensor platform for the detection of TEA.