Solvent exchange synthesis of C-doped ZnO bunches and their enhanced ethanol sensing properties

In this study, zinc complex bunches have been synthesized by a simple solvent exchange approach without any surfactant at room temperature. The zinc complex can be converted to C-doped ZnO bunches by a subsequent annealed process at 500 degrees C for 2 h. The morphology and structure results show that the rectangle-shaped ZnO bunches are assembled by ZnO disks. The as-prepared C-doped ZnO bunches exhibit the highest sensitivity to 100 ppm ethanol vapor at 240 degrees C. In addition the C-doped ZnO bunches also show excellent response-recover properties and stability, and good linearity in the range of 5-400 ppm for potential applications.