Highly Sensitive Ce-Doped ZnO Nanocomposite Sensor for Detecting Lithium Battery Leakage

This study clarifies the detection process of the Ce-ZnO sensor for ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) gas. This study presents new opportunities for enhancing zinc oxide (ZnO) sensors and identifying lithium battery leaks. This study utilized a hydrothermal technique to synthesize Ce-doped ZnO nanosheets and examined the gas-sensing efficacy of ZnO nanosheets with varying amounts of Ce doping. In comparison to pure ZnO sensors, the sensor with 0.5 atom % Ce doping enhanced the response value to EMC gas from 1.49 to 9.86 and reduced the ideal working temperature by 30 °C. The detection limit was decreased to 50 ppb, and the response/recovery time also was shortened compared to pure ZnO. This sensor has exceptional stability and selectivity for EMC gas. This research elucidates the detection mechanism of the Ce-ZnO sensor for EMC gas and introduces novel opportunities for enhancing ZnO sensors and identifying lithium battery leaks.