Ultra-high response acetone gas sensor based on ZnFe2O4 pleated hollow microspheres prepared by green NaCl template

In this study, ZnFe 2 O 4 pleated hollow microspheres were synthesized by a one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using NaCl as a green salt template, and successfully used for the detection of acetone gas. NaCl as a green non-polluting and easy-to-remove structural template effectively modulate the morphology and structure of ZnFe 2 O 4 . The prepared sensitive materials were observed by SEM and TEM to have dense solid, hollow, pleated hollow and nanosheet structures, respectively. Among them, ZnFe 2 O 4 pleated hollow microspheres exhibited a large specific surface area (185.24 m 2 /g) and the best sensing performance. Compared with other materials, ZnFe 2 O 4 pleated hollow microspheres presented a response of up to 95.0 for 100 ppm acetone at the optimal working temperature of 200 °C. The large specific surface area and superior surface permeability exhibited by the pleated hollow structure effectively increased the reaction sites and overall utilization of the sensitive material both internally and externally, which resulted in ultra-high response properties to acetone. The ZnFe 2 O 4 pleated hollow microspheres prepared using NaCl green template had excellent acetone molecular sensitivity properties, which is expected to be a promising sensitive material for acetone gas sensors. • A one-step chemical vapor deposition method was used to synthesize spinel ZnFe 2 O 4 pleated hollow microspheres. • As a green, pollution-free and easy-to-remove structure template, NaCl could adjust the morphology of ZnFe 2 O 4 . • ZnFe 2 O 4 pleated hollow microspheres presented a response of up to 95.0 for 100 ppm acetone at the optimal working temperature of 200 °C.