Well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles on porous ZnO nanoplates via surface ion exchange for chlorobenzene-selective sensor

The extensive use of chlorobenzene in chemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries poses a severe health hazard to human beings, because it is highly toxic. The detection of chlorobenzene by metal oxide gas sensors is difficult, owing to its chemically inert molecular structure. In this study, well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles were deposited on porous ZnO nanoplates via surface ion exchange, followed by H(2) reduction. The preparation process effectively prevented the aggregation and uncontrollable growth of Pd particles. A gas-sensing test was conducted, and the modification of size-controlled Pd nanoparticles was found to effectively enhance the sensing properties of porous ZnO nanoplates to chlorobenzene over 300 °C (higher sensitivity at a low operating temperature). At 440 °C, 5% Pd@ZnO sensor showed a drastic increase in response by nearly 4.5-fold, as well as excellent sensing selectivity to chlorobenzene. Its repeatability and stability were acceptable. As known, Pd nanocatalysts contribute to the oxidation of chlorinated aromatic compounds. Pd@ZnO sensors generated more catalytic sites and oxygen species (confirmed by XPS), thus enhancing chlorobenzene oxidation and improving the sensitivity of ZnO-based gas sensors.