Gas sensing properties of 3D mesoporous nanostructured ZnO thin films

Abstract

Advancing the properties of selective and sensitive metal oxide based gas sensors is a challenging research topic for the detection of toxic, and pollutant gases. In the present research, we successfully deposited a three dimensional (3D) mesoporous ZnO nanostructure on a glass substrate by using a hydrothermal method, and tested the material for its gas sensing performance. These 3D mesoporous ZnO nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and photoluminescence techniques. Gas sensing performance analysis was carried out for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) gas at different temperatures and concentrations. The 3D mesoporous ZnO nanostructure revealed excellent gas sensing performance for NO₂ gas because of its large surface area. The larger surface area led to an increase in the gas sensitivity. In addition, the sensor based on the 3D mesoporous ZnO nanostructure could be used at a low operating temperature of 150 °C. This work suggests that the 3D mesoporous ZnO nanostructure is a versatile material for NO₂ gas sensing applications.