Ba-Modified ZnO Nanorods Loaded with Palladium for Highly Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Methane at Low Temperatures

Exploring novel sensing materials to rapidly identify CH4 at low temperatures is crucial for various practical applications. Herein, a novel ZnO-xBa/Pd with Ba of cocatalyst loading from 0 to 2.0 wt% was facilely prepared using a two-step impregnation method to improve the sensitivity of the CH4 gas sensor. The microstructure, chemical states of the elements, and surface properties of ZnO-Ba/Pd were characterized, and the gas-sensitive performance of ZnO-Ba/Pd sensors was investigated. Compared to methane sensors based on other inorganic and organic material sensors, the sensor based on ZnO-1.0Ba/Pd exhibited a faster response/recovery time (1.4 s/8.3 s) and higher response (368.2%) for 5000 ppm CH4 at a lower temperature (170 degrees C). Moreover, the ZnO-1.0Ba/Pd sensor exhibited full reversibility and long-term stability, as well as excellent selectivity at 170 degrees C. The excellent performance of the ZnO-Ba/Pd sensor was attributed to the electron donation by Ba, which increases the electron density around Pd, thus enhancing the catalytic activity of Pd and promoting oxygen adsorption on the ZnO surface. The present work provides a method for the rational design and synthesis of sensitive materials in practical CH4 detection.