Jackfruit-like ZnO gas sensor for monitoring ethyl formate emissions from fish meal

Purpose This paper aims to develop a highly sensitive resistive gas sensor for accurately detecting ethyl formate to achieve reliable and real-time monitoring of fish meal spoilage. Design/methodology/approach Based on the one-step solvothermal reduction method, in a specific triethylene glycol solution environment and high temperature, the 3D ZnO sensing material with a jackfruit-like structure was prepared for detecting ethyl formate gas in fish meal. Findings The gas sensor based on 3D ZnO displays high sensor response (69.68–100 ppm) at 280°C and 43% RH and good sensor response (12.18–100 ppm) at 280°C and 80% RH, ultra-low detection limit of 10 ppb at 43% RH, excellent selectivity, repeatability and long-term stability. The sensing mechanism is due to the gain or loss of electrons caused by the sensor surface reaction. The unique jackfruit-like structure, abundant oxygen vacancies and large surface area may be another factor contributing to its excellent ethyl formate gas sensing performance. Originality/value The authors first developed an ethyl formate gas sensor, and the results were compared with the previously published data. The analysis showed the ZnO gas sensor demonstrated excellent sensing performance. This work highlights the potential of high response ethyl formate gas sensors to accurately evaluate fish meal quality.