ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure for conductometric acetone gas sensors

Heterojunction interfaces between two metal-oxides can provide significant advantages in gas sensing through charge distribution caused by lattice mismatch. Herein, we report the positive synergistic effects that enhance the sensing properties of ZnO/ZnFe2O4. Pure ZnO, ZnFe2O4 and ZnO/ZnFe2O4 hetero...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSensors and actuators. B, Chemical Vol. 377; p. 133027
Main Authors Nemufulwi, Murendeni I., Swart, Hendrik C., Shingange, Katekani, Mhlongo, Gugu H.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 15.02.2023
Subjects
Gas sensing
Heterostructures
Oxygen vacancies
Zinc ferrite
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide
Zinc ferrite
Oxygen vacancies
Gas sensing
Heterostructures
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Summary:Heterojunction interfaces between two metal-oxides can provide significant advantages in gas sensing through charge distribution caused by lattice mismatch. Herein, we report the positive synergistic effects that enhance the sensing properties of ZnO/ZnFe2O4. Pure ZnO, ZnFe2O4 and ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructures derived from a hydrothermal method were used to fabricate gas detecting sensing layers. The sensing behavior of the fabricated sensing layers was investigated to evaluate the effects of lattice mismatch created by heterojunction between the ZnO and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. Compared with pure ZnO and ZnFe2O4, ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure at a molar ratio of 1:3 exhibited the best sensing performance, with a response of 92.9 towards 90 ppm acetone, response-recovery times of only 7.7 s/27 s, and lower detection limit of 0.18 ppm. Such significant improvements were due to higher concentration of oxygen vacancies at the interface of ZnO/ZnFe2O4 and enhanced catalytic activity. •Sensing capabilities of ZnO, ZnFe2O4 and ZnO/ZnFe2O4_heterostructures as acetone detection platform were investigated.•Responses of ZnO, ZnFe2O4, ZnO/ZnFe2O4_heterostructures towards acetone were higher than those of other interfering gases.•ZnO/ZnFe2O4 S1:3_heterostructure sensor displayed significant acetone sensing performance compared to its counterparts.•ZnO/ZnFe2O4 S1:3_heterostructure sensor displayed good long-term stability after 30days of sensing tests.•Significant sensing capabilities could be due to higher concentration of oxygen vacancies, and enhanced catalytic activity.
ISSN:0925-4005
1873-3077
DOI:10.1016/j.snb.2022.133027