3D mace-like hierarchical ZnO nanoarchitecture constructed with microrod bundles and porous single-crystalline nanosheets for acetone sensors with enhanced performances

3D mace-like hierarchical ZnO nanoarchitectures consisting of porous single-crystalline nanosheets as well as microrod bundles were synthesized by growing Zn4CO3(OH)6·H2O nanosheets on the surfaces of ZnO microrod bundles on the basis of a facile one-step solution method combined with a successive annealing treatment at 400 °C. The investigation for the evolution mechanism of hierarchical ZnO nanoarchitectures shows that the reaction time, concentrations of reactants together with the surfactant can radically influence the compositions and morphologies of materials generated during the reactions. A potential mechanism is suggested to help in understanding the formation of the hierarchical nanoarchitectures based on the reaction time and the concentrations of reactants effect on the morphologies of the products. The chemical sensors made with 3D mace-like hierarchical ZnO nanoarchitectures reveals enhanced sensing performances with high responses, selectivity as well as stability to acetone vapor.