Metal–organic framework derived Au@ZnO yolk–shell nanostructures and their highly sensitive detection of acetone

Abstract

Au@ZnO yolk–shell nanostructures were synthesized by using Au@MOF-5 as a precursor. The morphological and structural properties of the products were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, XPS and UV-vis DRS. The morphology of the products could be tuned by the synthesis and calcination conditions. The acetone-sensing performance of the Au@ZnO yolk–shell nanostructures was investigated. The sensor based on Au@ZnO exhibited a high response (43 to 10 ppm acetone), low detection concentration of 50 ppb, excellent selectivity and short response/recovery time (15 s/12 s). The as-synthesized Au@ZnO has a promising application in acetone detection.