One-pot synthesis of cubic ZnSnO3/ZnO heterostructure composite and enhanced gas-sensing performance

In this work, we have successfully prepared cubic ZnSnO3/ZnO heterostructure composite (CZS/ZO) by a one-pot hydrothermal method. This composite easily forms a hollow structure through an alkali etching process while keeping its shape unchanged. The possible growth mechanisms have been studied and the material proves to have excellent gas sensing properties. The response of hollow cubic ZnSnO3/ZnO NPs (HZS/ZO) is up to 101 in 50 ppm triethylamine (TEA) gas at a working temperature of 160 °C; the lower limit of detection is 1 ppm. Moreover, the materials exhibit high selectivity and good stability. The role of ZnSnO3/ZnO n-n heterojunction in enhancing gas sensitivity is discussed.