Design of a Janus-Type p-NiO/n-ZnO Heterostructure Enabling Enhanced Transducer Function for Highly Sensitive Acetone
Yang Zeng1, Xiaowei Li1, Haipeng Dong1
1State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, and Key Laboratory of UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Physics, Northeast Normal University, 5268 Renmin Street, Changchun 130024, People's Republic of China.
ACS Sensors
|March 23, 2026
Summary
Engineered Janus nanofibers enhance gas sensor performance by overcoming conflicting electrical signals. This novel design significantly boosts sensitivity and signal transduction for detecting gases like acetone.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Sensing
Background:
- p-n semiconductor heterostructures are key for high-performance gas sensing.
- Conflicting resistance changes in p-type and n-type materials limit transducer function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design p-NiO/n-ZnO Janus hollow nanofibers for improved gas sensing.
- To mitigate conflicting electrical responses and enhance signal transduction.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of p-NiO/n-ZnO Janus hollow nanofibers.
- Utilizing a built-in electric field for directed charge separation.
- Controlling ZnO shell thickness for Debye-length regulation.
Main Results:
- Janus architecture effectively mitigates conflicting responses to acetone.
- Achieved a threefold higher response than mixed nanofibers and sevenfold higher than pristine ZnO.
- Demonstrated a Debye-length-regulated gas-sensing amplification mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The Janus configuration significantly enhances transducer function in gas sensors.
- Provides a general strategy for nanoscale heterostructure engineering.
- Paves the way for high-performance MOS gas sensors with superior signal transduction.
