Local atomic structure order and electrochemical properties of NiO based nano-catalysts for ethanol sensing at room temperature. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sajid, Fatima; Jabeen, Naila; Khan, Latif U.; Sohail, Manzar; Rehman, Adeela; Akhter, Zareen
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics and chemistry of solids. Volume 175(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Nanostructures -- Semiconductors -- XAFS (EXAFS and XANES) -- X-ray diffraction -- Electrochemical properties; Solids -- Periodicals; Solides -- Périodiques; Solids; Periodicals; 530.41
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpcs.2022.111201
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3697

Abstract

Abstract: The increased emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their adverse effects on environment led to the development of more economical and sustainable sensing technologies. Ethanol is a member of VOC family and has harmful effect on human health and environment. Therefore, an efficient electrocatalyst for ethanol detection at ambient temperature is highly desirable. Here we present the successful synthesis of NiO based sensing material where modification of NiO was carried out by transition metals doping (8% Cu and 8% Zn) and codoping (4% Cu + 4% Zn). The synthesized catalysts were characterized by several techniques like powder X ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray absorption fine structure, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The electrochemical responses showed that the codoped NiO has a better catalytic performance towards ethanol detection with a wide linear range from 3 mM to 12 mM, and a low detection limit (LOD) of 2.2 mM. The striking analytical performance and facile preparation technique make this catalyst effective for efficient enzyme-free electrochemical ethanol sensing. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: The influence of dopants (Cu and Zn) and co-dopant (Cu/Zn) on electrochemical properties of NiO were discussed. Electrochemical results were supported by different characterization techniques. Cu/Zn codoped-NiO exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance towards ethanol electro-oxidation at room temperature.