Au‑decorated SnS₂ hierarchical architecture for enhanced NO₂ detection at room temperature

The systematic operation with reduced power conception is a crucial aspect of the sensing device’s performance excellence. Detecting minute traces of hazardous NO₂ at room temperature is essential for human well-being and a balanced society. Transition metal dichalcogenides-based materials played a predominant role in room-temperature sensing, despite having an excellent performance at elevated operating temperature or poor response at room temperature (RT). However, in this work, the hierarchical architecture of Au-decorated SnS₂ was successfully synthesized and demonstrated excellent sensing performance towards NO₂ at room temperature. 5 mM of Au-decorated SnS₂ showed 479.8% enhancement in sensing response coupled with peculiar selectivity towards NO₂ compared to pristine SnS₂ at RT. The main reason for the excellent performance was attributed to the chemical and electronic sensitization of Au decoration over SnS₂. The possible carrier transfer tends to form a Schottky barrier at the interface and, thus, influences the modulation of overall sensing performance.