SYNTHESIS OF MORPHOLOGY-CONTROLLED ZnO NANOSTRUCTURES AND EVALUATION OF THEIR PHOTOCATALYTIC AND GAS-SENSING PROPERTIES

ZnO samples with two distinct morphologies (porous particles and grenade-like structures) were synthesized via a sol-gel-hydrothermal method in a water-ethylene glycol binary solvent. By tuning the zinc precursor concentration, the morphologies were precisely controlled. In the investigation of photocatalytic properties, we evaluated the material’s ability to degrade the organic dye Rhodamine B (RB) under UV light. Additionally, we analyzed the active radicals generated during photocatalysis and evaluated the material’s recyclability. In the study of gas-sensing properties, we conducted a series of performance tests under various conditions, including temperature, gas concentration, cycle stability, response and recovery times, and comparative responses in different atmospheres. Our results showed that the samples exhibited superior ethanol selectivity. Moreover, all samples exhibited excellent cycle stability and fast response times. The small size and porous structure of the samples significantly enhanced their gas-sensing performance by providing ample channels and space for gas diffusion and reaction during testing. This unique morphology significantly improved the material’s gas-sensing performance.