Fern-like metal-organic frameworks derived In2O3/ZnO nanocomposite for superior triethylamine sensing properties

Abstract Fern-like In2O3/ZnO nanocomposite with mesoporous structure was derived from MIL-68/ZIF-8 via a simple template method. Abundant nanowires grew on the surface of microrods to form novel fern-like structure. The effect of MIL-68 concentration on component, structure, morphology and gas-sensing properties of In2O3/ZnO nanocomposite were studied. The results of gas tests exhibited that the sensor based on In2O3/ZnO (the mass of MIL-68 is 0.3 g) showed excellent sensing properties to TEA, which included superior response (44.6), ultralow work temperature (100 °C) and fast response-recovery time. The enhanced gas sensing properties of fern-like In2O3/ZnO nanocomposites were due to mesoporous structure, a large specific surface area, the specific structure of abundant nanowires growing on microrods and the n-n heterojunction formed at the interface of In2O3 and ZnO, which all accelerated the gas sensing reaction between TEA molecules and adsorbed oxygen on the surface of materials. The fern-like In2O3/ZnO composite with mesoporous structure was an ideal gas sensing material for the detection of TEA.