Bi2WO6 nanoparticles-decorated ZnO nanosheets and their enhanced gas sensing properties

Abstract Exploiting Bi2WO6 as gas sensor has attracted tremendous attention in recent years. However, its working temperature is relatively high in most cases. Here in, the heterostructure Bi2WO6/ZnO composites material was obtained, employing in an economical two-step hydrothermal route. A series of techniques were used to characterize the prepared material including X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning microscope (SEM), transmission eletron microscope (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This work reports triethylamine sensing characteristics of flower-like Bi2WO6/ZnO for the first time and discusses the sensing mechanism in detail. The results exhibit that the Bi2WO6/ZnO composite have an excellent gas sensitivity to triethylamine. The sensor has a lower optimal operating temperature of 150 °C and a response of 3.38 can be achieved even at room temperature. The enhancement of gas sensitivity depends on the formation of Bi2WO6/ZnO heterojunction and their unique flower-like structures.