Excellent triethylamine (TEA) chemiresistor based on ZIF-8 derived Ag sensitized ZnWO4/ZnO branched heterostructure for indoor environment

• Published in: Microchemical journal 2024-12, Vol.207, p.112056, Article 112056
• Main Authors: Singh, Ajeet, Yadav, Bal Chandra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Branched heterostructures; Chemiresistor; Triethylamine; Volatile organic compounds; Zeolite Frameworks (ZIF-8)
• ISSN: 0026-265X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2024.112056

[Display omitted] •First time ZIF-8 derived Ag sensitised ZnWO4/ZnO heterostructures were synthesized by solvothermal assisted pyrolysis.•The detection of TEA at ppb levels and very low operating temperatures was carried out.•The Ag@ZnWO4/ZnO heterostructure traces the low concentration (1–35 ppm) of TEA at 80 °C.•The maximum sensor response was found to be 480.78 at 35 ppm, whereas sensitivity was 13.78 response/ppm.•The Ag@ZnWO4/ZnO sensor is highly selective, more stable and has negligible humidity effect. The detection of triethyl amine is necessary for environmental and human health concerns. However, sensitivity and selectivity are still challenges for real-time applications. Herein, ultrasensitive ZIF-8-derived Ag-sensitized ZnWO4/ZnO branched heterostructures were synthesized via a solvothermal-calcination process. The surface morphological investigation confirmed that ZnWO4 nanorods randomly grown on 3D whiskers of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles are decorated, which enhanced the sensing performance by synergistic effect. The Ag@ZnWO4/ZnO sensor exhibited 56.15 sensor response towards 5 ppm of TEA at 80 °C, which is 3.86, 3.14, and 1.83 times over from ZIF-8, ZnO, and ZnWO4 sensors respectively. Additionally, the sensitivity of Ag@ZnWO4/ZnO sensors for 1–5 ppm and 5–35 ppm range were found to be 11.96 and 13.78 response/ppm, respectively also, calculated limit of detection is 43 ppb earned.Furthermore, the fabricated sensor showed reliable consistency, outstanding repeatability, and stability. The surface area of branched heterostructure is high (83.39 g/cm2) which enhances the interaction between TEA molecules to thesensing surface. Furthermore, thedecoration of Ag nanoparticles is sensitized to a sensor and enhances the sensing performance.