Journal Article

Single-atom Cu stabilized on ultrathin WO2.72 nanowire for highly selective and ultrasensitive ppb-Level toluene detection

Wang, Peng, Mao, Hui, Guo, Shisong, Pu, Shiliang, Liu, Huan, Li, Hua‐Yao, Hu, Zhixiang, Chen, Bingbing, Zhou, Licheng, Cai, Hong, Zhu, Zhenfeng, Li, Tiankun

2023

Overview

Various catalysts are developed to improve the performance of metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors, but achieving high selectivity and response intensity in chemiresistive gas sensors (CGSs) remains a significant challenge. In this study, an in situ‐annealing approach to synthesize Cu catalytic sites on ultrathin WO 2.72 nanowires for detecting toluene at ultralow concentrations ( R a / R g = 1.9 at 10 ppb) with high selectivity is developed. Experimental and molecular dynamic studies reveal that the Cu single atoms (SAs) act as active sites, promoting the oxidation of toluene and increasing the affinity of Cu single‐atom catalysts (SACs)‐containing sensing materials for toluene while weakening the association with carbon dioxide or water vapor. Density functional theory studies show that the selective binding of toluene to Cu SAs is due to the favorable binding sites provided by Cu SAs for toluene molecules over other gaseous species, which aids the adsorption of toluene on WO 2.72 nanowires. This study demonstrates the successful atomic‐level interface regulation engineering of WO 2.72 nanowire‐supported Cu SAs, providing a potential strategy for the development of highly active and durable CGSs.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,John Wiley and Sons Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Carbon / chemiresistive gas sensors / Cu single‐atom catalysts / Energy consumption / Ethanol / high selectivity / Nanoparticles / Nanowires / ppb level / Sensors / toluene / VOCs / Volatile organic compounds