UV-enhanced ethanol-sensing properties of TiO2-decorated ZnSnO3 hollow microcubes at low temperature

This work demonstrates the combined effect of nano-TiO2 decoration and UV radiation on the ethanol sensing of ZnSnO3 hollow microcubes. TiO2-decorated ZnSnO3 samples were synthesized by a facile co-precipitation method, followed by the calcination treatment of precursor–dehydration. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared samples were further characterized by XRD, EDS, SEM and TG analysis. Obtained samples were fabricated to thick film gas sensors for ethanol detection. Sensing tests showed a strong influence of TiO2 decoration on the sensing properties. Light excitation by means of a low-powered UV source (365 nm) has been used to reinforce the sensor performance especially at lower operating temperature. The optimal sensor based on TiO2-decorated ZnSnO3 showed promising performance towards ethanol, ensuring high response and fast dynamics at operating temperature as low as 80 °C.