Interface-tailored ZnO/BDPQ-Oct inorganic/organic dual sensors for improved light/gas detection and artificial intelligence-enabled gas recognition

Abstract

This study investigates the optimization of dual light and gas sensing properties in ZnO/BDPQ-Oct photodetectors and photo-assisted gas sensors through interface modification using scotch tape. By exfoliating BDPQ-Oct crystalline clusters from ZnO nanorods (NRs), a significant enhancement in light-sensing performance was observed, while gas-sensing capability was suppressed. The removal of organic BDPQ-Oct crystals led to a thinner organic layer, which improved the device's response to broadband light due to better carrier diffusion and a reduced optical screening effect. Conversely, the presence of the crystalline layer originally enhanced gas sensing by providing more electron–hole pairs, a feature that was diminished after exfoliation. Additionally, artificial binary gas recognition revealed that both UV irradiation of ZnO NRs and integrating BDPQ-Oct with ZnO NRs could enhance gas identification performance. These findings reveal the potential for fine-tuning hybrid sensor performance through surface modifications.