ZnO/γ-Fe2O3 Heterostructure Towards Enhanced Acetone Sensing

ZnO/γ-Fe
₂
O
₃
based heterostructure has been synthesized via solvothermal approach followed by calcination at elevated temperatures. Considering the unique properties of both ZnO and γ-Fe
₂
O
₃
toward the sensing of reducing gases, the concept of forming a heterostructure between them has been conceived. The structural characterization of ZnO/γ-Fe
₂
O
₃
has been performed using X-ray diffraction and FESEM analysis which revealed a flowerlike morphology with the coexistence of both ZnO and γ-Fe
₂
O
₃
leading to the formation of a heterostructure. The material showed excellent sensing properties toward the selective detection of acetone among six VOC's at an optimum temperature of 300°C. The response and recovery time of the heterostructure was found to be 12.5 sec and 26.9 sec respectively, when exposed to 60 ppm concentration of acetone. This ultrafast and selective detection of acetone vapors by ZnO/γ-Fe
₂
O
₃
heterostructure shows potential to develop future commercial acetone sensor.