SnSO4 modified ZnO nanostructure for highly sensitive and selective formaldehyde detection

SnSO4 modified ZnO nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized for highly sensitive and selective formaldehyde detection after sintering at 450 °C in air. The ZnO/SnO2 heterojunctions and the surface sulfate play a significantly important role for the excellent formaldehyde sensing performance. Remarkably, the ZnO-3%SnSO4 sensor is able to detect ultralow concentration of formaldehyde (0.06 ppm) with excellent selectivity from commonly occurred indoor VOCs. With engineering efforts, a highly compact prototype formaldehyde sensor is obtained, which is very convenient for portable formaldehyde specific detection.