3D porous ZnO microspheres sensitized by Ag quantum dots for highly responsive TEA sensors

The study aims to create a highly responsive gas sensor for TEA. In order to achieve this goal, spherical ZnO with layered structure was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Subsequently, Ag quantum dots (QDs) are precipitated onto the surface of the ZnO microspheres. The ZnO microspheres were analyzed to demonstrate that they are comprised of porous nanosheets measuring roughly 10 μm in diameter. The composite with the optimal mass percentage displayed outstanding sensitivity to triethylamine (TEA), yielding a response of 1223, approximately 90 times higher than that of the pure ZnO sensor. Furthermore, this composite also demonstrated remarkable selectivity towards TEA. The exceptional detection results were achieved due to the catalytic influence of Ag as a precious metal, coupled with the distinctive structure of quantum dots and ZnO materials.