Mechanochemically synthesized ZIF-8@ZnO composite-based NO2 gas detection

Abstract

Gas sensing, especially for the detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), is of utmost relevance in environmental monitoring and industrial applications. This study examines the synthesis of ZIF-8@ZnO metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by a mechanochemical approach, which produces high yield and good quality. The synthesized materials underwent various material characterizations to validate their outstanding material properties. The spray printing technique was employed to print ZIF-8@ZnO in a square shape over laser-induced graphene interdigitated electrodes (LIG-IDE), which were fabricated using laser engraving of a polyimide substrate. ZIF-8@ZnO shows promising capability for the detection of NO2 gas at room temperature (RT). The fabricated sensor exhibits good performance with a sensor response (SR%) of 78%, a response time of 58 s, and a recovery time of 40 s towards 100 ppm of NO2 with lifetime stability for 40 days. The developed ZIF-8@ZnO LIG-based gas sensors are flexible and allow for environmental monitoring and smart industrial processes, hence creating new opportunities and fostering an optimistic outlook for the future of gas-sensing technology.