Comparison of NO2 Gas-Sensing Properties of Three Different ZnO Nanostructures Synthesized by On-Chip Low-Temperature Hydrothermal Growth

Abstract

Three different ZnO nanostructures, dense nanorods, dense nanowires, and sparse nanowires, were synthesized between Pt electrodes by on-chip hydrothermal growth at 90°C and below. The three nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction to identify their morphologies and crystal structures. The three ZnO nanostructures were confirmed to have the same crystal type, but their dimensions and densities differed. The NO2 gas-sensing performance of the three ZnO nanostructures was investigated at different operation temperatures. ZnO nanorods had the lowest response to NO2 along with the longest response/recovery time, whereas sparse ZnO nanowires had the highest response to NO2 and the shortest response/recovery time. Sparse ZnO nanowires also performed best at 300°C and still work well and fast at 200°C. The current–voltage curves of the three ZnO nanostructures were obtained at various temperatures, and the results clearly showed that sparse ZnO nanowires did not have the linear characteristics of the others. Analysis of this phenomenon in connection with the highly sensitive behavior of sparse ZnO nanowires is also presented.