ZnO@ZIF-8 core-shell microspheres for improved ethanol gas sensing

The ZnO@ZIF-8 (ZIF-8 = zeolite imidazolate framework-8) core-shell material was synthesized by the self-template method. The positive effects of the structure and morphology of ZIF-8 pre-concentrator on the sensing property of ZnO microsphere were investigated by FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM characterizations, as well as gas detection measurement. The synthesized ZnO@ZIF-8 core-shell material exhibited much higher sensor response (35.90), selectivity and stability compared with pure hollow ZnO microsphere (14.54) at an optimal temperature of 160 degrees C when exposed to ethanol than other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The obtained results suggested that ZnO@ZIF-8 core-shell material is efficient in sensing ethanol than pristine ZnO microsphere, showing potential application as a selective ethanol detector.