The enhanced practicability of ZnSnO3 sensors based on Co, Ni co-doping and N719 dye sensitization

In this paper, Co, Ni co-doping and N719 dye sensitization were combined for the first time to improve the performance and practicability of the ZnSnO3 sensor. The doping ratio of Co2+ and Ni2+ has a great impact on the response to 500 ppm ethanol of ZnSnO3. The ZC(0.3)N(0.1)SO sensor has a response of 289.74 at 15% relative humidity and 220 degrees C, which is the maximum among the doped sensors. Moreover, the ZC(0.3)N(0.1)SO sample is further decorated with TiO2 and sensitized by N719 dye. The operating temperature (OT) of the N719-TiO2 @ZC(0.3)N(0.1)SO sensor can be reduced from 220 degrees C to 160 degrees C under visible light, and the maximum response of 290.47 is obtained at 160 degrees C. The comprehensive evaluation indicates that the N719-TiO2 @ZC(0.3)N(0.1)SO gas sensor possesses high practicability. Finally, the reasons for the improved gas response based on Co, Ni co doping, the low temperature gas-sensing mechanism of N719-TiO2 @ZC(0.3)N(0.1)SO under visible light were analyzed and discussed.