Enhanced performance of Zn and Co co-doped MoO3 nanosheets as gas sensor for n-butylamine

High operating temperature of metal oxide sensor devices hinders their practical applications. In order to reduce operating temperature, molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanosheets co-doped with zinc (Zn) and cobalt (Co) were successfully prepared by simple one-step hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and by using WS-30A gas sensor measurement system. The sensor exhibited high response to n-butylamine gas at low temperature. In particular, the response of Zn and Co co-doped MoO3 sensor was higher than that of pure MoO3 and retained excellent selectivity of MoO3 to n-butylamine. Optimum operating temperature gradually decreased with increasing Co and Zn doping amount. Multi-doping system shows great potential for the development and application of sensors,and provides feasible method for reducing their operating temperature of the sensor.

Automated summary

Zinc and cobalt co-doped molybdenum trioxide nanosheets were successfully prepared and showed high response to n-butylamine gas at low temperature. The doping of Zn and Co decreased the optimum operating temperature and improved the selectivity of the sensor. Multi-doping system has great potential for sensor development and application, providing a feasible method for reducing the operating temperature of the sensor.