ZnO/CdO island-like porous nanocomposite as an ultra-sensitive sensor for BTX detection at room temperature

Abstract

In this work, the major challenge is to study the enhancement of sensing properties at room temperature as it holds great promise for minimizing the detrimental effects on human health and the environment. For the progress of such highly sensitive gas sensors, a strategy is to tune the properties by nanocomposite sensor ZnO/CdO (ZCO) derived by co-precipitation method towards Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene (BTX) vapours is reported. The characterization of the undoped ZnO, CdO nanoparticles, and ZCO nanocomposites were systematically studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), XPS, Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis, SEM, and gas sensing study. XRD results confirmed the crystallinity of the synthesized samples, and SEM revealed the island-like porous morphology of the ZCO sample. The BTX gases at room temperature have shown excellent response to the ZCO sensor for 15 ppm concentration with a quick response and recovery times (Benzene-12 s and 9 s, Toluene- 36 s and 48 s, Xylene- 32 s and 28 s), respectively. Based on the unique morphology, low synthesis cost, and excellent selectivity of BTX gases, the ZCO nanocomposite is a suitable sensor for BTX detection in a natural environment.