Enhanced ethanol sensing and antibacterial activity of ZnO nanosheets synthesised using egg white as template

ZnO nanosheets were synthesised by a facile hydrothermal method using egg white as bio-template and dispersing agent. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy investigation show that the ZnO nanosheets have a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a diameter of 10 to 25 nm. Moreover, egg white played an important role in controlling the morphology and size of nano ZnO, while ZnO changed from nanorods to nanosheets when adding egg white in a hydrothermal system. The gas sensing measurements revealed that the response of the sensor made from the templated ZnO nanosheets to ethanol gas is nearly 6·9 times higher than that of ZnO without using egg white as template, and its response and recovery time are 3 and 5 s respectively. Furthermore, it shows an excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.