The enhanced practicability of ZnSnO3 sensors based on Co, Ni co-doping and N719 dye sensitization

In this paper, Co, Ni co-doping and N719 dye sensitization were combined for the first time to improve the performance and practicability of the ZnSnO3 sensor. The doping ratio of Co2+ and Ni2+ has a great impact on the response to 500 ppm ethanol of ZnSnO3. The ZC0.3N0.1SO sensor has a response of 289.74 at 15% relative humidity and 220 °C, which is the maximum among the doped sensors. Moreover, the ZC0.3N0.1SO sample is further decorated with TiO2 and sensitized by N719 dye. The operating temperature (OT) of the N719-TiO2 @ZC0.3N0.1SO sensor can be reduced from 220 °C to 160 °C under visible light, and the maximum response of 290.47 is obtained at 160 °C. The comprehensive evaluation indicates that the N719-TiO2 @ZC0.3N0.1SO gas sensor possesses high practicability. Finally, the reasons for the improved gas response based on Co, Ni co-doping, the low temperature gas-sensing mechanism of N719-TiO2 @ZC0.3N0.1SO under visible light were analyzed and discussed.