Tuning MoS2 nanostructures for superior room-temperature toluene sensing

Abstract

Nanomaterials, known for their unique chemical and physical properties at the nanoscale, are crucial in advancing various cutting-edge applications. The distinct size-dependent behaviors and surface characteristics set them apart. Among these materials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) has gained considerable interest for room-temperature gas detection due to its high surface area, improved reactivity from the surface, and excellent carrier mobility, which makes it effective in sensing applications. In this work, MoS 2 with excess sodium molybdate dihydrate (MoS 2 (Mo)) and MoS 2 with excess thioacetamide (MoS 2 (S)) were synthesized using the hydrothermal method and tested for toluene gas sensing at various concentrations. The results indicate that MoS 2 (S) showed ΔR/R air % of 343% compared to MoS 2 (Mo), which is 197% for 20 ppm toluene gas. In addition, MoS 2 (S) showed reduced response/recovery time. The results suggest that these MoS 2 -based sensors can be used for the development of room temperature sensors for toluene sensing.