Rhombic ZnO nanosheets modified with Pd nanoparticles for enhanced ethanol sensing performances: An experimental and DFT investigation

摘要

The rhombic ZnO nanosheets were prepared via a facile and controllable hydrothermal method. The porous Pd@ ZnO material was produced by annealing at 400 degrees C for 2 h. The Pd@ZnO (0.2 wt%) exhibits 4.3 times higher response (142.2 for ethanol with 200 ppm) than the pure ZnO, and shorter response-recovery time (13 s/9 s). The DFT calculation shows that the rhombic ZnO nanosheets exhibit reduced band gap and high adsorption energy by introducing Pd atom. The enhanced gas sensing properties could be attributed to the superior catalytic capacity of Pd nanoparticles and the tunable band structure of the ZnO nanosheet.