rGO/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures for the efficient, room-temperature detection of multiple toxic gases

The novel rGO/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures were prepared from Ti3C2Tx MXene and rGO via a simple ultrasonication method. From the morphological and structural analyses, it was confirmed that the MXene and rGO were well-hybridized with sharp interface and substantially increased surface area. Owing to its microstructural advantage and high surface functionality, a standard rGO/Ti3C2Tx heterostructure showed sharp, large, concentration-dependent, and cyclic response curves to NO2 gas at room temperature. Furthermore, the heterostructure also exhibited response signals to other types of toxic gases like methane and toluene. This gas-sensing performance was far better than those of MoS2/Ti3C2Tx and g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures, which were synthesized for comparison. The results of this work may give an insight into realizing an efficient, multigasdetecting, and room-temperature-operable gas sensor.

Automated summary

The novel rGO/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures were prepared via a simple ultrasonication method, showing sharp interface and increased surface area. These heterostructures exhibited excellent gas-sensing performance to NO2 and other toxic gases at room temperature, outperforming MoS2/Ti3C2Tx and g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures synthesized for comparison. Results indicate the potential for an efficient, multigas-detecting, and room-temperature-operable gas sensor.