ZnO/BiFeO3 heterojunction interface modulation and rGO modification for detection of triethylamine

Abstract

A novel 9ZnO/BiFeO₃/rGO(1%) composite was designed and synthesized using facile sol–gel, hydrothermal and hydrazine hydrate reduction methods for detection of triethylamine. Various spectra were used to characterize the structures and morphologies of the composite. The sensing tests indicate that the composite exhibits the highest response of 13.4 to 10 ppm TEA at a low temperature of 112 °C, which is 2.2 times higher than that of pure ZnO. Moreover, the composite has excellent selectivity, rapid response, and a good linear response relationship in the low detection range of 0.5–12 ppm along with long-term stability. The improvement in the mechanism was discussed in detail, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of the heterojunction and rGO, and the former forms an additional electron depletion layer at the junction interface to increase resistance in air, while the latter accelerates electron transfer and increases composite surface-active sites to promote gas adsorption and surface reaction.