Metal Organic Framework-Derived ZnO@GC Nanoarchitecture as an Effective Hydrogen Gas Sensor with Improved Selectivity and Gas Response

Although they are not as favorable as other influential gas sensors, metal-oxide semiconductor-based chemiresistors ensure minimal surface reactivity, restricting their gas selectivity, gas response, and reaction kinetics, particularly when functioning at room temperature (RT). A hybrid design, which includes metal-oxide/carbon nanostructures and passivation with specific gas filtration layers, can address the concerns of surface reactivity. We present a novel hierarchical nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO), decorated with graphitic carbon (GC) and synthesized via a wet-chemical strategy, which is then followed by the self-assembly of a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8). Because of its large surface area, high porosity, and efficient inspection of other analyte (interfering) gases, the ZnO@GC can provide intensified surface reactivity at RT. In the present study, such a hybrid sensor confirmed extraordinary gas sensing properties, which was characterized by excellent H₂ selectivity, fast response, rapid recovery kinetics, and high gas response (ΔR/R₀ ∼ 124.6%@10 ppm), particularly in extremely humid environments. The results reveal that adsorption sites provided by the ZIF-8 template-based ZnO@GC frameworks facilitate the adsorption and desorption of H₂.