Interlayered Ti3C2TX/TiO2/ZnO nanoarchitecture for visible light-activated ultrasensitive triethylamine detection.

Photoexcitation is an effective method to promote specific gas sensing performance of semiconductor for electronic device. In this work, an interlayered Ti 3 C 2 T X /TiO 2 /ZnO ternary nanoarchitecture was successfully prepared via sequential etching-intercalation and pyrolysis methods, for which the ZIF-8 nanoparticles were initially incorporated into the adjacent interlayers of laminated Ti 3 C 2 T X MXene derived from HF-etching of Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX phase. The resultant multilayered Ti 3 C 2 T X /ZIF-8 nanocomposite was pyrolyzed at 400 oC to form Ti 3 C 2 T X /TiO 2 /ZnO ternary heterostructure, showing high triethylamine (TEA) sensing performance with R a /R g = 98 at 270 oC under 620 nm red-light irradiation, which is 3.1 times higher than that of the value measured under darkness. A rapid response/recovery time of 17 s/86 s is achieved, and it shows excellent TEA sensing selectivity and long-term cyclic stability. The close-stacked nano-/microstructure of Ti 3 C 2 T X /TiO 2 /ZnO effectively contribute to the diffusion and permeation of gas molecules, as well as the photogeneration and migration of charge carriers, leading to its outstanding photoactivated TEA sensing performance. This work provides a feasible approach to exploring high-performance Mxene hybrids for ultrasensitive TEA monitoring. [Display omitted] • Accordion-like Ti 3 C 2 T x /TiO 2 /ZnO nanocomposite was prepared via etching and pyrolysis. • The Ti 3 C 2 T x /TiO 2 /ZnO nanocomposite exhibits excellent triethylamine sensing ability. • The response under 620 nm excitation was 3.1 times higher than that under darkness. • Construction of ternary heterojunction positively modulates the band gap structure. • Synergistic effect of photoactivation and charge carrier migration was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]