Petal-like ZnO-based ultra-sensitive ethylene glycol sensors synthesized by solvent regulation

Abstract

The ZnO-10, ZnO-20, ZnO-30, and ZnO-40 nanopetal-shaped samples were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The results of XRD, SEM, TEM, and BET indicate that the micro–nano petal-like samples have the advantages of high purity, good crystallinity, and large specific surface area. The ZnO-20 sample with the largest specific surface area and pore volume was prepared by adjusting the scheme without changing the sample morphology. The specific surface area and pore volume of the sample were 33.6914[Formula: see text]m2/g and 0.1561[Formula: see text]ml/g. The results of gas sensitivity test show that the sample has the highest response and super good gas sensitivity selectivity. At 250∘C, the responses to 5[Formula: see text]ppm and 50[Formula: see text]ppm ethylene glycol can reach 14.4 and 293, respectively. Because of the excellent gas performance of ZnO nanosheets, this work can provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of ultra-sensitive ethylene glycol gas sensors in the industry.