Xianghong Liu

Bio: Xianghong Liu is an academic researcher from Qingdao University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Materials science & Atomic layer deposition. The author has an hindex of 38, co-authored 85 publications receiving 5442 citations. Previous affiliations of Xianghong Liu include Leibniz Association & Nankai University.

Nanostructured Materials for Room-Temperature Gas Sensors

Abstract: Sensor technology has an important effect on many aspects in our society, and has gained much progress, propelled by the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Current research efforts are directed toward developing high-performance gas sensors with low operating temperature at low fabrication costs. A gas sensor working at room temperature is very appealing as it provides very low power consumption and does not require a heater for high-temperature operation, and hence simplifies the fabrication of sensor devices and reduces the operating cost. Nanostructured materials are at the core of the development of any room-temperature sensing platform. The most important advances with regard to fundamental research, sensing mechanisms, and application of nanostructured materials for room-temperature conductometric sensor devices are reviewed here. Particular emphasis is given to the relation between the nanostructure and sensor properties in an attempt to address structure-property correlations. Finally, some future research perspectives and new challenges that the field of room-temperature sensors will have to address are also discussed.

Two-Dimensional Nanostructured Materials for Gas Sensing

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures are highly attractive for fabricating nanodevices due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and good compatibility with device design. In recent years 2D nanostructures of various materials including metal oxides, graphene, metal dichalcogenides, phosphorene, BN and MXenes, have demonstrated significant potential for gas sensors. This review aims to provide the most recent advancements in utilization of various 2D nanomaterials for gas sensing. The common methods for the preparation of 2D nanostructures are briefly summarized first. The focus is then placed on the sensing performances provided by devices integrating 2D nanostructures. Strategies for optimizing the sensing features are also discussed. By combining both the experimental results and the theoretical studies available, structure-properties correlations are discussed. The conclusion gives some perspectives on the open challenges and future prospects for engineering advanced 2D nanostructures for high-performance gas sensors devices.

ZnO nanorod gas sensor for ethanol detection

Abstract: ZnO nanorods were fabricated by a simple low-temperature hydrothermal process in high yield (about 85%), starting with Zn(OH) 4 2− aqueous solution in the presence of CTAB, the CTAB serving as a structure director, and no calcination process was needed. The morphology and crystal structure of the prepared ZnO nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM). The ZnO nanorods were then used to construct a gas sensor for ethanol detection at different operating temperature. The as-prepared ZnO nanorod gas sensor exhibited a high, reversible and fast response to ethanol, indicating its potential application as a gas sensor to detect ethanol.

3D hierarchically porous ZnO structures and their functionalization by Au nanoparticles for gas sensors

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) hierarchically porous nanostructures with controlled morphology and dimensionality represent one kind of important material and have received enormous attention for a series of applications. In this work, 3D hierarchically porous ZnO architectures were synthesized via an amino acid-assisted biomimetic hydrothermal method combined with subsequent calcination. First a basic zinc carbonate (BZC) precursor with a lamellar spherical morphology assembled by interconnected nanosheets was synthesized. By subsequent calcination, the as-obtained BZC precursor can be facilely transformed into porous ZnO with a large surface area of 193.7 m2/g, while maintaining its 3D hierarchical morphology. The 3D hierarchically porous ZnO superstructures are further employed as a support to load Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) to construct hybrid nanomaterials for chemical gas sensors. The AuNP-functionalized 3D hierarchically porous ZnO nanomaterials, combining the high surface accessibility of porous materials and catalytic activity of small AuNPs, demonstrated excellent sensor properties in terms of higher sensitivity and very fast response. Furthermore, it is expected this AuNP-functionalized 3D hierarchically porous nanostructure may provide a new pathway to develop advanced nanomaterials for applications like gas sensors, low temperature CO oxidation and photocatalysis.

Highly sensitive and selective gas sensors using p-type oxide semiconductors: Overview

Abstract: High-performance gas sensors prepared using p-type oxide semiconductors such as NiO, CuO, Cr2O3, Co3O4, and Mn3O4 were reviewed. The ionized adsorption of oxygen on p-type oxide semiconductors leads to the formation of hole-accumulation layers (HALs), and conduction occurs mainly along the near-surface HAL. Thus, the chemoresistive variations of undoped p-type oxide semiconductors are lower than those induced at the electron-depletion layers of n-type oxide semiconductors. However, highly sensitive and selective p-type oxide-semiconductor-based gas sensors can be designed either by controlling the carrier concentration through aliovalent doping or by promoting the sensing reaction of a specific gas through doping/loading the sensor material with oxide or noble metal catalysts. The junction between p- and n-type oxide semiconductors fabricated with different contact configurations can provide new strategies for designing gas sensors. p-Type oxide semiconductors with distinctive surface reactivity and oxygen adsorption are also advantageous for enhancing gas selectivity, decreasing the humidity dependence of sensor signals to negligible levels, and improving recovery speed. Accordingly, p-type oxide semiconductors are excellent materials not only for fabricating highly sensitive and selective gas sensors but also valuable additives that provide new functionality in gas sensors, which will enable the development of high-performance gas sensors.

Nanoscale metal oxide-based heterojunctions for gas sensing: A review

Abstract: Metal oxide-based resistive-type gas sensors are solid-state devices which are widely used in a number of applications from health and safety to energy efficiency and emission control. Nanomaterials such as nanowires, nanorods, and nanoparticles have dominated the research focus in this field due to their large number of surface sites facilitating surface reactions. Previous studies have shown that incorporating two or more metal oxides to form a heterojunction interface can have drastic effects on gas sensor performance, especially the selectivity. Recently, these effects have been amplified by designing heterojunctions on the nano-scale. These designs have evolved from mixed commercial powders and bi-layer films to finely-tuned core–shell and hierarchical brush-like nanocomposites. This review details the various morphological classes currently available for nanostructured metal-oxide based heterojunctions and then presents the dominant electronic and chemical mechanisms that influence the performance of these materials as resistive-type gas sensors. Mechanisms explored include p–n and n–n potential barrier manipulation, n–p–n response type inversions, spill-over effects, synergistic catalytic behavior, and microstructure enhancement. Tables are presented summarizing these works specifically for SnO2, ZnO, TiO2, In2O3, Fe2O3, MoO3, Co3O4, and CdO-based nanocomposites. Recent developments are highlighted and likely future trends are explored.

Applications of 2D MXenes in energy conversion and storage systems

Abstract: Transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes), a family of two-dimensional (2D) inorganic compounds, are materials composed of a few atomic layers of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides. Ti3C2, the first 2D layered MXene, was isolated in 2011. This material, which is a layered bulk material analogous to graphite, was derived from its 3D phase, Ti3AlC2 MAX. Since then, material scientists have either determined or predicted the stable phases of >200 different MXenes based on combinations of various transition metals such as Ti, Mo, V, Cr, and their alloys with C and N. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have shown their exciting potential for energy conversion and electrochemical storage. To this end, we comprehensively summarize the current advances in MXene research. We begin by reviewing the structure types and morphologies and their fabrication routes. The review then discusses the mechanical, electrical, optical, and electrochemical properties of MXenes. The focus then turns to their exciting potential in energy storage and conversion. Energy storage applications include electrodes in rechargeable lithium- and sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, and supercapacitors. In terms of energy conversion, photocatalytic fuel production, such as hydrogen evolution from water splitting, and carbon dioxide reduction are presented. The potential of MXenes for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in water, such as dye waste, is also addressed, along with their promise as catalysts for ammonium synthesis from nitrogen. Finally, their application potential is summarized.

Nanostructured Materials for Room-Temperature Gas Sensors

Abstract: Sensor technology has an important effect on many aspects in our society, and has gained much progress, propelled by the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Current research efforts are directed toward developing high-performance gas sensors with low operating temperature at low fabrication costs. A gas sensor working at room temperature is very appealing as it provides very low power consumption and does not require a heater for high-temperature operation, and hence simplifies the fabrication of sensor devices and reduces the operating cost. Nanostructured materials are at the core of the development of any room-temperature sensing platform. The most important advances with regard to fundamental research, sensing mechanisms, and application of nanostructured materials for room-temperature conductometric sensor devices are reviewed here. Particular emphasis is given to the relation between the nanostructure and sensor properties in an attempt to address structure-property correlations. Finally, some future research perspectives and new challenges that the field of room-temperature sensors will have to address are also discussed.