ZnO/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite with synergic enhanced gas sensing performance for the effective detection of NO2 at room temperature

Here, we demonstrate room temperature NO2 sensors based on ZnO/rGO nanocomposites by a facile hydrothermal method. The ZnO nanoparticies (20 similar to 50 nm) were wrapped by film-like rGO with different contents (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 wt %). They all exhibit p-type sensing toward NO2 at room temperature. The content of rGO shows an obvious effect on the sensing properties. The ZnO NPs-1% rGO has a high response of 5.21 to 10 ppm NO2 with a response/ recovery time of 198/144 s. The sensing mechanism is discussed. The gas-sensitive properties are derived from the strong synergistic effect between the smaller particles of ZnO and rGO.

Automated summary

In this study, room temperature NO2 sensors based on ZnO/rGO nanocomposites were successfully fabricated using a facile hydrothermal method. The sensors showed p-type sensing behavior towards NO2 and the content of rGO had a significant impact on the sensing properties. The ZnO NPs-1% rGO sensor exhibited a high response to 10 ppm NO2 with a response/recovery time of 198/144 s, indicating its potential for practical applications.