SnS2 nanosheets/Ag2S quantum dots heterojunction supported by YSZ nanofibers enable real-time room-temperature NO2 gas sensor

Abstract

Air pollution has emerged as a critical global issue, necessitating the development of effective real-time gas monitoring technologies. However, conventional gas sensors face limitations such as high energy consumption and sluggish response/recovery kinetics. In this study, we report a novel SnS2/Ag2S heterojunction supported by yttria-stabilized zirconia nanofibers (YSZ@SnS2/Ag2S) through a facile electrospinning, hydrothermal and subsequent cation-exchange method. This hierarchical composite nanofiber consists of well-distributed Ag2S quantum dots (QDs) attached to vertical anchored SnS2 nanosheets, forming an interconnected network supported by YSZ nanofibers. The integrated sensor exhibited high response of 3.27 and swift response/recovery times of 12/27 s to 1 ppm NO2 at room temperature, respectively. Benefited from highly permeable three-dimensional continuous conductive nanofibers, along with the hierarchical nanosheets/QDs structure, the gas transmission/diffusion and number of reactive sites were ensured. Additionally, the interfacial built-in electric field of SnS2/Ag2S heterojunction further enhanced the electron transfer, carrier migration and gas-sensitive reaction kinetics. This study provides insights into the development of functional composite nanofibers and paves the way for the exploitation of real-time room-temperature gas sensing applications.