Excellent acetone sensing performance of Au NPs functionalized Co3O4-ZnO nanocomposite

Purpose This paper aims to successfully synthesize three-dimensional spindle-like Au functionalized Co3O4-ZnO nanocomposites; characterize the structure, morphology and surface chemical properties of the products; study the effect of Au NPs doping concentration, operating temperature different gas to, sensing properties; and introduce an attractive gas sensor for acetone detection. Design/methodology/approach Au NPs functionalized Co3O4-ZnO nanocomposite was prepared by coprecipitation and impregnation methods; the structure and surface chemical property of the products were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis, BET and XPS. The sensing ability of Au@Co3O4-ZnO for acetone and mechanism was analyzed systematically. Findings The results of gas sensing tests show that the unique component structure, Schottky junction and catalytic effect of Au functionalization make it have low operating temperature, excellent selectivity, high response (10 ppm, 56) and rapid response recovery time. Research limitations/implications All the characterization and test data of the prepared materials are provided in this paper and reveals the gas sensing mechanism of the gas sensor. Practical implications The detection limit is 2.92–100 ppb acetone. It is promising to be applied in low-power, micro detection and miniature acetone gas sensors. Social implications The gas sensor prepared has a lower working temperature and low detection limit, so it has promising application prospects in low-concentration acetone detection and early warning. Originality/value The unique component structure, Schottky junction and catalytic effect of Au functionalization Co3O4-ZnO make it have low operating temperature, excellent selectivity and rapid response recovery time.