CuO nanoparticle decorated ZnO nanorod sensor for low-temperature H2S detection

CuO nanoparticle decorated porous ZnO nanorods were synthesized via a two-stage solution process. First, porous ZnO nanorods were fabricated by a low-temperature hydrothermal method. Afterward, the porous ZnO nanorods were used as supports to load CuO nanoparticles by a non-aqueous solution method. The morphology and structure of the prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). To demonstrate the practical application of the synthesized heterostructured porous CuO/ZnO nanorod hybrid, the sensing properties for H2S at low operating temperatures were investigated. The high sensitivity, reversible response and good selectivity indicated its potential application as a chemical sensor.

► Porous ZnO NRs were synthesized by a simple low-temperature hydrothermal method.
► CuO NP decorated porous ZnO NRs were synthesized via the non-aqueous solution method.
► High sensitivity, reversible response and good selectivity for detecting H2S.
► The improved sensor performances are attributed to the unique porous structure and p–n heterojunctions.