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One-pot synthesis of urchin-like ZnO nanostructure and its enhanced acetone gas sensing properties

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Abstract

A hierarchical urchin-like ZnO nanostructure was successfully synthesized via a facile and efficient hydrothermal method. The sample was characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM, BET, UV–Vis DRS and Photoluminescence (PL) techniques. The urchin-like ZnO is assembled by many nanorods and has the average size of 1.5 μm. The BET surface and pore volume of urchin-like ZnO were measured to be 53.9 m2 g−1 and 0.073 cm3 g−1. The hydrothermal time and pH value have important effect on the morphology. UV–Vis spectra show that a narrower band gap for the urchin-like ZnO as compared to commercial ZnO. PL spectra indicate that the urchin like ZnO has the higher donors and fewer acceptors than that of commercial ZnO. Furthermore, the urchin-like ZnO nanostructure exhibited excellent gas sensing properties towards acetone, indicating that the as-prepared urchin-like ZnO is a promising material for gas sensors.

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Acknowledgments

Financial supports were provided by the National Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Grants 61604025), Chongqing Science and Technology Commission (Project No. cstc2015jcyjA50028), Chongqing Education Commission (Project No. KJ1500611), Chongqing Technology and Business University (Project No. 670101052 and 2014-56-09).

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  1. Chongqing Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Functional Organic Molecules, College of Environment and Resources, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, 400067, China

    Weiwei Guo

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  1. Weiwei Guo
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Correspondence to Weiwei Guo.

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Guo, W. One-pot synthesis of urchin-like ZnO nanostructure and its enhanced acetone gas sensing properties. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 28, 963–972 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-016-5615-x

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