Ultrasensitive sensors based on lamellar squamous m-LaVO4 nanospheres for ppb-level triethylamine detection and photosensitivity investigation

Triethylamine (TEA), a hazardous industrial volatile organic compound, requires sensors with rapid response and ppb-level sensitivity. This study synthesized m-LaVO 4 nanospheres with controlled exposed crystal facets via a hydrothermal method. The optimized material, featuring a layered morphology and dominant (200) plane, showed a high response of 27.2 to 100 ppm TEA at 225°C with a 5   s response time, shortening to 2   s at 15 ppm. The sensor demonstrated a low detection limit of 1 ppb, excellent selectivity, repeatability, long-term stability, and light-modulated sensing behavior. These properties are attributed to the unique layered structure and surface characteristics of m-LaVO 4 , making it a promising candidate for efficient, low-concentration TEA detection.