Sacrificial template triggered to synthesize hollow nanosheet-assembled Co3O4 microtubes for fast triethylamine detection

Fast detection of triethylamine, one of the effective indicators to assess the freshness of fish and seafood, becomes more and more important for the food safety. Yet, the gas transport and diffuse activity are limited by the solid internal structure or the unsuitable pores size of the gas sensing materials, which results in the sluggish surface reaction kinetics. Herein, a strategy was reported to synthesis of hollow Co 3 O 4 microtubes assembled by vertically aligned nanosheets via sacrificial template of MgO combined with the following thermal annealing. The gas sensing results reveal that the hollow Co 3 O 4 -200 microtubes exhibit fast response-recovery time (13 s and 81 s) and outstanding gas selectivity, stability towards 200 ppm TEA at 180 ℃, which is ascribed to the large specific surface area, rich oxygen vacancies, and suitable pore size. This unique approach sheds light on the designing potential gas sensing candidates for the fast detection of TEA gas used as safety food monitoring and healthcare. • The hollow nanosheet-assembled Co3O4microtubes were synthesized via a simple sacrificial template strategy. • The fabricated Co3O4-200sensor displayed excellent TEA-sensing performance with fast response and recovery properties. • The large specific surface area and suitable pore size are the main reasons for the improved sensing properties.