Application of microwave-assisted synthesized leaf-like ZnO nanosheets as the ethanol sensor

In this study, leaf-like zinc oxide (ZnO) nanosheets were successfully synthesized by the microwave-assisted method through an easy, low-cost solvothermal process with annealing at 500C. Characterization of the synthesized material revealed the mesoporous single-crystal leaf-like ZnO nanosheets with hexagonal wurtzite structure. Mesoporous and single-crystal structure of gas sensor could provide high surface area, which led to the diffusion of gas molecules and improvement of gas sensitivity. Consequently, the gas-sensing function of the leaf-like ZnO nanosheets was tested for different types of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Sensitivity, stability, response, and recovery time of leaf-like ZnO nanosheets sensor for ethanol vapor were the best at 255C. According to results, leaf-like ZnO nanosheets are a selective and sensitive sensor for ethanol vapor.