Enhancement in methanol selectivity using MoO 3 micrograss encapsulated Zno microcube

Abstract

In this report, we present a method for improving selectivity in methanol sensing, using MoO 3 micrograss encapsulated ZnO microcube based composite. MoO 3 micrograss and ZnO microcubes are synthesized by the conventional hydrothermal method, after that, a solution based synthesis approach to synthesize MoO 3 micrograss encapsulated ZnO microcube. Grown materials are characterized by FESEM, XRD, EDX, and BET surface area analysis by nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique. Volatile organic compounds sensing performance of these three type material are tested. Results indicate that MoO 3 micrograss encapsulated ZnO microcube composite has higher sensitivity and selectivity towards methanol compare to its individual component. Improvement in sensing performance in MoO 3 micrograss encapsulated ZnO microcube is attributed to the unique morphology and presence of n-n heterojunction between ZnO microcube and MoO 3 micrograss. © 2018 IEEE.