Gas sensing application of nanocrystalline zinc oxide thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis

Abstract

Nanocrystalline oxygen-deficient ZnO thinfilm sensors were prepared by spray pyrolysis technique using zinc acetate dissolved in propanol and water as precursor. Response of the sensor to target gases NO2 and H2S is studied. At optimum temperature of 200∘C, the sensors have a response of 3.32 to 7 ppm NO2 and 1.4 to 18 ppm of H2S gas. The analytical characterizations of the prepared sensors were performed using X-ray diffraction measurement, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Dynamic response of sensors to different concentrations of NO2 and H2S gas was tested at optimum temperature. Experimental data revealed the sensors to be more selective to NO2 gas with satisfactory response and recovery time.