Enhancement in Methanol Selectivity Using MoO3 Micrograss Encapsulated Zno Microcube

Abstract

In this report, we present a method for improving selectivity in methanol sensing, using MoO3 micrograss encapsulated ZnO microcube based composite. MoO3micrograss and ZnO microcubes are synthesized by the conventional hydrothermal method, after that, a solution based synthesis approach to synthesize MoO3 micrograss encapsulated ZnO microcube. Grown materials are characterized by FESEM, XRD, EDX, and BET surface area analysis by nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique. Volatile organic compounds sensing performance of these three type material are tested. Results indicate that MoO3 micrograss encapsulated ZnO microcube composite has higher sensitivity and selectivity towards methanol compare to its individual component. Improvement in sensing performance in MoO3 micrograss encapsulated ZnO microcube is attributed to the unique morphology and presence of n-n heterojunction between ZnO microcube and MoO3 micrograss.