Flower-like WO3 Nanorod Structures Modified with MoS2 Quantum Dots for Low-Temperature Acetone Detection

As a prevalent volatile organic compound (VOC), acetone plays a significant role in diverse domains, such as environmental protection, industrial production, and medical diagnosis. However, if acetone is not adequately monitored and disposed of, it can result in immeasurable adverse effects on human health and the natural environment. Therefore, it is essential to realize the highly sensitive, convenient, and efficient real-time detection of acetone. In this study, MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) were modified on flower-like WO3 nanorod structure through the hydrothermal approach to fabricate a WO3/MoS2 sensor. The sensing performance of the sensor for acetone was investigated. The results showed that the sensor had a response value of 14.96 for 30 ppm of acetone gas at optimum operating temperature (132 °C), which was 3.2 times the performance of a pure WO3 gas sensor. The response of the WO3/MoS2 sensor was reduced by only 20% under a relative humidity of 85%. Besides, the sensor still maintained a high response (11.25 for 30 ppm) under high curvature conditions (120°). Finally, the sensitization effects of MoS2 QDs, including the formation of n-n heterojunction with WO3 and the catalytic overflow of oxygen species, were discussed in detail. This study provides a valuable reference for the construction of low-temperature and high-performance gas sensors based on QD-sensitized metal oxide nanomaterials.