Hierarchical highly ordered SnO2 nanobowl branched ZnO nanowires for ultrasensitive and selective hydrogen sulfide gas sensing

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Li Yuan Zhu - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Kai Ping Yuan - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Jia He Yang - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Cheng Zhou Hang - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Hong Ping Ma - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Xin Ming Ji - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Anjana Devi - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Hong Liang Lu - , Fudan University (Author)
  • David Wei Zhang - , Fudan University (Author)

Abstract

Highly sensitive and selective hydrogen sulfide (H2S) sensors based on hierarchical highly ordered SnO2 nanobowl branched ZnO nanowires (NWs) were synthesized via a sequential process combining hard template processing, atomic-layer deposition, and hydrothermal processing. The hierarchical sensing materials were prepared in situ on microelectromechanical systems, which are expected to achieve high-performance gas sensors with superior sensitivity, long-term stability and repeatability, as well as low power consumption. Specifically, the hierarchical nanobowl SnO2@ZnO NW sensor displayed a high sensitivity of 6.24, a fast response and recovery speed (i.e., 14 s and 39 s, respectively), and an excellent selectivity when detecting 1 ppm H2S at 250 °C, whose rate of resistance change (i.e., 5.24) is 2.6 times higher than that of the pristine SnO2 nanobowl sensor. The improved sensing performance could be attributed to the increased specific surface area, the formation of heterojunctions and homojunctions, as well as the additional reaction between ZnO and H2S, which were confirmed by electrochemical characterization and band alignment analysis. Moreover, the well-structured hierarchical sensors maintained stable performance after a month, suggesting excellent stability and repeatability. In summary, such well-designed hierarchical highly ordered nanobowl SnO2@ZnO NW gas sensors demonstrate favorable potential for enhanced sensitive and selective H2S detection with long-term stability and repeatability.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number30
Pages (from-to)1-13
Number of pages13
Journal Microsystems & nanoengineering
Volume6
Issue number1
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 4 May 2020
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes