Synergistic coupling of 0D–2D heterostructure from ZnO and Ti3C2T MXene-derived TiO2 for boosted NO2 detection at room temperature
Hongpeng Li, Jie Wen, Shumei Ding, Jiabao Ding, Zihao Song, Chao Zhang, Zhen Ge, Ke Liu, Ruizheng Zhao, Fengchao Li
Abstract
2D MXenes are highly attractive for fabricating high-precision gas sensors operated at room temperature (RT) due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. However, the limited selectivity and low sensitivity are still long-standing challenges for their further applications. Herein, the self-assembly of 0D–2D heterostructure for highly sensitive NO2 detection was achieved by integrating ZnO nanoparticles on Ti3C2Tx MXene-derived TiO2 nanosheets (designated as [email protected]−TiO2). ZnO nanoparticles can not only act as spacers to prevent the restacking of M−TiO2 nanosheets and ensure effective transfer for gas molecules, but also enhance the sensitivity of the sensor the through trapping effect on electrons. Meanwhile, M−TiO2 nanosheets facilitate gas diffusion for rapid sensor response. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of individual components, the [email protected]−TiO2 0D–2D heterostructure-based sensors revealed remarkable sensitivity and excellent selectivity to low concentration NO2 at RT. This work may facilitate the sensing application of MXene derivative and provide a new avenue for the development of high-performance gas sensors in safety assurance and environmental monitoring.