Electrophoretically deposited graphene oxide/molybdenum disulfide composite on quartz crystal microbalance for ethyl acetate VOC detection

The presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) poses significant risks to air quality and human health. However, the existing sensing technologies encounter limitations in efficient sensors fabrication. Techniques like spin coating and drop casting offer rapid deposition, but lack precise control, while layer-by-layer assembly provides superior control but is time-consuming. To address this gap, this study employed electrophoretic deposition (EPD) techniques to rapidly coat graphene oxide (GO)/molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) composite on Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensors. Various ratios of GO/MoS₂ composites (e.g., GO/MoS₂_1, GO/MoS₂_2, and GO/MoS₂_3), as well as GO and MoS₂ alone were tested to assess their gas sensing capabilities. The GO/MoS₂_2 composite exhibited a 78% increase in sensitivity to ethyl acetate over other coatings. Surface characterization techniques, including FESEM, EDX, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy, were used to confirm the composite’ structure, and the sensing mechanisms involving adsorption and desorption were discussed. These findings highlight the potential of GO/MoS₂ composites for enhancing VOC detection in gas sensing applications.