Issue 36, 2016

Designed formation through a metal organic framework route of ZnO/ZnCo2O4 hollow core–shell nanocages with enhanced gas sensing properties

Abstract

The rational design of nanoscale metal oxides with hollow structures and tunable porosity has stimulated tremendous attention due to their vital importance for practical applications. Here, we report the designed synthesis of ZnO/ZnCo2O4 hollow core–shell nanocages (HCSNCs) through a metal–organic framework (MOF) route. The strategy includes the synthesis of a zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)/Co–Zn hydroxide core–shell nanostructure precursor and subsequent transformation to ZnO/ZnCo2O4 HCSNCs by thermal annealing of the as-prepared precursor in air. Various techniques were employed for characterization of the structure and morphology of the as-prepared ZnO/ZnCo2O4 HCSNCs. When applied as a gas sensing material, the ZnO/ZnCo2O4 HCSNCs show enhanced sensitivity to xylene when compared with ZnCo2O4 shells as well as ZnO nanocages (NCs). In addition, excellent reversibility and superior selectivity of the sensor were observed. The remarkable enhancement in the gas-sensing properties of the ZnO/ZnCo2O4 HCSNCs is attributed to their unique structure and a synergistic effect of ZnO and ZnCo2O4.

Graphical abstract: Designed formation through a metal organic framework route of ZnO/ZnCo2O4 hollow core–shell nanocages with enhanced gas sensing properties

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
29 Jun 2016
Accepted
10 Aug 2016
First published
11 Aug 2016

Nanoscale, 2016,8, 16349-16356

Designed formation through a metal organic framework route of ZnO/ZnCo2O4 hollow core–shell nanocages with enhanced gas sensing properties

F. Qu, H. Jiang and M. Yang, Nanoscale, 2016, 8, 16349 DOI: 10.1039/C6NR05187A

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