Enhanced n-butanol Gas Sensors Based on ZnO/CuCo2O4 Heterojunction: Materials Synthesis, Sensing Performance, and Mechanism Study

Abstract

This work presents the development of a ZnO/CuCo₂O₄ nanocomposites gas sensor for the detection of n-butanol, a hazardous volatile organic compound. The ZnO/CuCo₂O₄ nanocomposites were synthesized via hydrothermal method and characterized using XRD, XPS, SEM, BET, and TEM. The gas sensor exhibited remarkable performance for n-butanol detection, with a high response value of 78 at 100 ppm and a linear concentration response range from 20 to 100 ppm. The sensor also demonstrated fast response and recovery times of 45 s and 79 s, respectively. Meanwhile, an in-depth analysis was conducted on the gas-sensing mechanism. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, the adsorption process and electron transfer of n-butanol gas molecules on the ZnO/CuCo₂O₄ surface were simulated, confirming the gas-sensing adsorption process of the n-butanol gas sensor. In summary, the ZnO/CuCo₂O₄ heterojunction enhanced the gas sensing properties, offering a promising solution for real-time monitoring of n-butanol in environmental, industrial, and safety applications. The research highlights the potential of binary metal oxide nanocomposites in improving gas-sensing performance and offers a novel approach for detecting hazardous VOCs.