Hierarchical WS2-WO3 Nanohybrids with Flower-like p-n Heterostructures for Trimethylamine Detection.

Abstract

The detection of trimethylamine (TMA) is critically important due to its toxic and flammable nature, which poses significant risks to human health and the environment. However, achieving high response, rapid kinetics, selectivity, and low operating temperatures in TMA sensing remains challenging. In this study, WS₂/WO₃ nanohybrids with flower-like hierarchical structures were synthesized via an in situ sulfurization process, utilizing varying amounts of thioacetamide to control the sulfurization state of WO₃. These novel hierarchical WS₂/WO₃ nanohybrids exhibit remarkable selectivity towards TMA, as well as rapid response and recovery characteristics. Specially, the optimal WS₂/WO₃ sensor, composed of 5% WS₂/WO₃ nanohybrids, demonstrates exceptional TMA sensing performance, including a high response (19.45 at 10 ppm), good repeatability, reliable long-term stability, and a low theoretical detection limit (15.96 ppb). The superior sensing capabilities of the WS₂/WO₃ nanohybrids are attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunctions at the interface, the unique hierarchical structures, and the catalytic activity of WS₂. Overall, this work provides a straightforward and versatile approach for synthesizing multifunctional nanomaterials by combining metal oxide micro-flowers with transition metal dichalcogenide nanoflakes for applications in monitoring TMA in complex environments.