Triethylamine Sensors Based on Nanoscale Porous Carbon Nanocages Originated from Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Derivatives

2D transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted much attention for promising application in gas sensors. Edges of the layered nanostructures are well known as highly reactive sites, besides the low working temperature. However, TMD sensors still suffer from the bottlenecks of low response and slow reaction kinetics. We propose an innovative use of porous carbon nanostructures originated from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks. In this work, multi-layered MoS2 nanoplates are confined in nanoscale porous carbon nanocages (PCNCs) by a facile hydrothermal technique. The carefully designed MoS2/PCNC sensor exhibits good triethylamine (TEA) sensing performances. Compared with pure MoS2, the response (Ra/Rg) of the MoS2/PCNC composite sensor to 100 ppm TEA is as high as 53. The theoretical TEA detection limit is estimated to be as low as 12 ppb. In addition, the investigation proves good stability and reproducibility. The possible sensing mechanism for the improved performances is discussed too. The innovative strategy for the controlled design of MoS2/PCNC nanostructures may provide valuable application in designing high-performance TEA sensors.