SnO2 quantum dots modified MoS2 nanoflowers for enhanced ethanol sensing performance

MoS2 nanoflowers assembled from two-dimensional nanosheets modified with SnO2 quantum dots were prepared by hydrothermal method and used for ethanol detection. SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, and XPS were used to analyze the morphology, structure, and composition of the composites. The gas sensing test results showed that SnO2 QD modified MoS2 had a higher response to ethanol, better selectivity, and lower operating temperature than SnO2 QD. In addition, the problems of insensitivity to gases, long response time, and unrecoverable response observed in MoS2 sensors were also improved. The enhanced ethanol sensing performance of SnO2 QD modified MoS2 were ascribed to the large specific area of MoS2 nanoflowers and plentiful dangling bonds of SnO2 QD. The formation of heterojunction between SnO2 and MoS2 nanograins also contributed to the enhancement of gas sensitivity. The modification of MoS2 with metal oxide quantum dots provides an experimental reference for the development of high-performance MoS2 based gas sensors.