Application of microwave-assisted synthesized leaf-like ZnO nanosheets as the ethanol sensor

In this paper, leaf-like zinc oxide (ZnO) nanosheets were successfully synthesized by the microwave-assisted method through an easy, low-cost solvothermal process and complied with annealing at 500°C. Characterization of the synthesized material revealed the mesoporous single crystal leaf-like ZnO nanosheets with hexagonal wurtzite structure. Mesoporous and single-crystal structure of gas sensor could provide the high surface area which causes gas molecules to fast diffusing and improve the gas sensitivity. Consequently, the gas-sensing function of the leaf-like ZnO nanosheets was tested for different types of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Sensitivity, stability, response and recovery time of leaf-like ZnO nanosheets’ sensor to ethanol vapor was the best at 255°C. According to results, leaf-like ZnO nanosheets is a selective and sensitive sensor for ethanol vapor.