Enhanced acetone sensing properties of W-doped ZnFe2O4 electrospinning nanofibers

Acetone not only harms the human body but is also considered a diabetes biomarker. A series of acetone-sensitive W-doped ZnFe2O4 composite nanofibers were successfully prepared in this study using a simple single-spinneret electrospinning method and a 600 °C calcination treatment. The crystalline phase, morphology, and elemental composition of ZnFe2O4 nanofibers with varying levels of W doping were systematically characterized and analyzed. The gas-sensitive sensing properties of the nanofibers were also thoroughly investigated. The results demonstrate that W is successfully doped into the ZnFe2O4 lattice, leading to a significant reduction in the crystallite size that composes the nanofibers and the formation of Fe2O3 olive-shaped nanoparticle embellishments on the surface of nanofibers. Meanwhile, the generation of heterojunctions and reduction of crystallite size significantly enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of ZnFe2O4 to acetone vapor. The sensors based on 6 mol% W-doped ZnFe2O4 composite nanofibers, in particular, exhibit a response of up to 1.95 for 0.125 ppm acetone vapor at 200 °C. Finally, a comprehensive examination of the acetone sensing mechanism of W-doped ZnFe2O4 is performed, as well as the potential causes for morphological changes and heterojunctions to improve the gas-sensitive performance of ZnFe2O4.