Single-crystal ZnO microstructures for improved triethylamine-sensing performance

Triethylamine (TEA) is a common gaseous pollutant and is extremely harmful for human health. Therefore, it is crucial to construct a low-cost TEA gas sensor which can respond quickly and stably. In this work, single-crystal ZnO microstructures have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. It shapes a regular hexagonal column, and it is about 4.5 μm in length and 2.9 μm in height. By scanning the SEM and TEM, the smooth prismatic side planes and tips of the podetiums have been observed. The SAED image reveal the nature of single crystal of the as-prepared ZnO microstructures. The TEA gas-sensitive properties of the sensor based on the single-crystal ZnO microstructures have been studied systematically. To 100 ppm TEA gas, the response value is 138 and the response time is about 1 s. The enhanced TEA gas sensitivity is ascribed to the regular crystal structure and nature of single crystal. The superior gas sensitivity of the as-obtained ZnO microstructures to TEA indicates that it has a bright future in the field of detection TEA in practical application by a facile, effective and low-cost hydrothermal preparation method.