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Highly Sensitive Ce-Doped ZnO Nanocomposite Sensor for Detecting Lithium Battery Leakage
Yutong Guo1, Guozheng Zhu2, Ru Wang1
1Hebei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Precision Optical Sensing and Measurement Technology, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao Qinhuangdao 066004, China.
ACS Omega
|January 8, 2026
Summary
This study enhances zinc oxide (ZnO) sensors using cerium (Ce) doping for detecting ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) gas. The improved Ce-ZnO sensor offers higher sensitivity and faster detection, crucial for lithium battery leak identification.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Zinc oxide (ZnO) based sensors are vital for gas detection.
- Lithium battery technology requires reliable methods for leak detection.
- Ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) is a common electrolyte component in lithium batteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gas-sensing properties of cerium-doped zinc oxide (Ce-ZnO) nanosheets for ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) detection.
- To explore the potential of Ce-ZnO sensors for identifying lithium battery leaks.
- To elucidate the detection mechanism of Ce-ZnO sensors for EMC gas.
Main Methods:
- Hydrothermal synthesis of Ce-doped ZnO nanosheets with varying Ce concentrations.
- Gas-sensing performance evaluation of pure ZnO and Ce-ZnO sensors towards EMC gas.
- Analysis of sensor response, ideal working temperature, detection limit, and response/recovery times.
Main Results:
- 0.5 atom % Ce doping significantly enhanced the response value to EMC gas (from 1.49 to 9.86) compared to pure ZnO.
- Ce-ZnO sensor demonstrated a reduced ideal working temperature by 30 °C.
- The detection limit was lowered to 50 ppb, with improved response and recovery times.
- The Ce-ZnO sensor exhibited excellent stability and selectivity for EMC gas.
Conclusions:
- Ce-doping is an effective strategy to enhance the performance of ZnO-based gas sensors.
- The developed Ce-ZnO sensor shows great promise for the early detection of lithium battery leaks.
- Understanding the detection mechanism can guide the development of next-generation gas sensors.
