By: Nguyen Duc Khoang, Do Dang Trung, Nguyen Van Duy, Nguyen Duc Hoa, Nguyen Van Hieu
Abstract: Designing nanostructured materials to enhance
gas-sensing performance is of important key for the next-generation sensor
platforms. In this paper, a design of hierarchical SnO2/ZnO nanostructures for
scalable fabrication of high-performance ethanol sensors is developed based on
a combination of two simple synthesis pathways. High-quality single crystalline
SnO2 nanowire (NW) backbones were first synthesized using the thermal
evaporation method, whereas ZnO nanorod (NR) branches were subsequently grown
perpendicularly to the axis of SnO2 NWs via the hydrothermal approach. The
successful synthesis of SnO2/ZnO hierarchical nanostructures is confirmed by
the results of scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and
photoluminescence spectrum. The ethanol-sensing properties of the SnO2/ZnO
hierarchical nanostructures sensors were systematically investigated and
compared to those of the bare SnO2 NWs sensor. The effect of growth
manipulation of the SnO2/ZnO hierarchical nanostructures on the ethanol sensing
characteristics was also studied. The results revealed that the design of the
hierarchical nanostructures enhanced the ethanol gas response and selectivity
for interfering gases such as NH3, CO, H2, CO2, and LPG. These enhancements are
attributed to the enhancement of homogenous and heterogeneous NW–NW contacts.
In addition, the results of this study may serve as a basis for designing
various novel hierarchical nanostructures for other applications, including
photocatalysis, battery electrode, solar cell, and nanosensors. Full paper |
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