CuO@In₂O₃/ZnO Core–Shell Nanorods for Triethylamine Detection at Room Temperature

Abstract

Sensitive and stable triethylamine (TEA) gas sensors are desirable for environmental and human safety. However, the high operating temperature of the metal-oxidebased gas sensors poses a limitation on their wide applications. Herein, we fabricate an exceptional TEA gas sensor based on the core−shell heterostructure comprising crystalline CuO and amorphous In 2 O 3 /ZnO (CuInZnO) via a facile electrodeposition method. Remarkably, the optimum gas sensor (CuInZnO-3) exhibits an outstanding gas response (∼25) toward a 10 ppm TEA at room temperature. Moreover, CuInZnO-3 shows excellent selectivity, linear response, and stability. The superior sensing performance can be mainly ascribed to the unique core−shell nanorod heterostructure with a high specific surface area, allowing the formation of p−n junctions. The amorphous nature of the In 2 O 3 /ZnO shell also enriches the active oxygen on the surface and enhances gas adsorption.

Construction of ZnCo2O4 decorated ZnO heterostructure materials for sensing triethylamine with dramatically enhanced performance

“…When the gas under test is a liquid at room temperature, the liquid needs to evaporate into a gas. The formula for converting the required gas concentration to the required liquid amount is shown in (2).…”

“…Triethylamine (TEA) is a common volatile organic compound, which is toxic, flammable, explosive and widely used in the production of dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. 1 Excessive inhalation of TEA can lead to respiratory burns, 2 so efficient sensors are needed for the detection of TEA gas. Therefore, the development of gas sensing materials that can effectively and rapidly detect TEA is of great importance in practical application.…”