Coral-like ZnFe2O4–ZnO mesoporous heterojunction architectures: synthesis and enhanced sensing properties for triethylamine

Abstract

Unique coral-like ZnFe₂O₄–ZnO heterojunction architectures with abundant mesopores are successfully prepared via a facile two-step process. The as-fabricated ZnFe₂O₄–ZnO heterojunction architecture sensor is used for the detection of the volatile organic compound triethylamine (TEA). The gas sensing performance of the as-prepared sensor is carefully investigated and the results show high response value, fast response/recovery times, good repeatability, and superior selectivity with regard to TEA detection. Specifically, the sensing response of the ZnFe₂O₄–ZnO sensor is remarkably improved and shows a fast response time of 0.9 s. The enhanced sensing mechanism of the coral-like mesoporous heterojunction architectures is discussed and a possible growth mechanism is also proposed.