Electron sensitization and chemical sensitization of ZnWO4/WO3 Nanorod heterojunctions for high performance triethylamine sensor

Real-time detecting of triethylamine gas is necessary and challenging in environmental protection and industrial production. However, conventional sensing materials still suffer from low response, long response times and high detection limit, mainly due to the insufficient charge transfer capability of the sensing materials. Herein, ZnWO₄/WO₃ was successfully prepared for TEA detection by a two-step hydrothermal method. Benefiting from the synergy between the heterojunctions, including electron sensitization and chemical sensitization, the sensor based on 0.1-ZnWO₄/WO₃ composite demonstrates remarkable performance in terms of faster response/recovery time (3.3-fold/2.02-fold), higher response (2.21-fold), lower detection limit (0.5 ppm) and lower power consumption (30℃-decrement) as compared with the pristine WO₃ sensor. In addition, the long-term stability, repeatability, 10 s fast response, and satisfactory anti-interference ability of the composite sensor indicate its potential application in TEA detection. This work provides a feasible scheme to design advanced gas sensors through the synergistic effect of electron sensitization and chemical sensitization.