Synthesis, characterization and acetone-sensing properties of bristlegrass-like ZnO nanostructure

Bristlegrass-like ZnO nanostructure was synthesized through the combination of electrospinning method and precipitation reaction. The morphology and structure were investigated via X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. The results show that the bristlegrass-like ZnO nanostructure is composed of hexagonal ZnO nanorods with large exposure of (0001) polar facet. Meanwhile, the sensor fabricated from this product exhibits excellent acetone-sensing properties at 215 °C. The response (Ra/Rg) toward 100 ppm acetone is 107, the response time is about 3–5 s and the low detection limit is 0.5 ppm. The formation mechanism and the advantages of the bristlegrass-like ZnO nanostructure in sensing materials were also discussed.