Bimetallic metal–organic frameworks derived hierarchical flower-like Zn-doped Co3O4 for enhanced acetone sensing properties

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived metal oxides, as a promising gas-sensing material, have received extensive attention because of its unique advantages of abundant pore structures, high surface areas and diverse compositions. In this work, hierarchical flower-like Zn-doped Co 3 O 4 derived from Zn/Co-MOF is prepared through a process of solvothermal synthesis and annealing. 3 mol% Zn-doped Co 3 O 4 exhibits the highest response of 52.3 toward 100 ppm acetone at 200 °C, which is nearly 20 times higher than that of pure Co 3 O 4 . Additionally, 3 mol% Zn-doped Co 3 O 4 based sensor displays a ppb-level detection limit for acetone, outstanding selectivity, excellent long-term stability and good independence to humidity. The probable reasons for the improved sensing properties are attributed to the changes of carrier concentration, specific surface area and chemisorbed oxygen amount due to Zn doping.