Enhanced performance of 1D rod shaped Zirconium (Zr) decorated over spherical shaped Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures for NO2 gas

Abstract

1D rod shaped Zirconium (Zr) was decorated over spherical shaped Zinc (ZnO) nanostructures, using hydrothermal technique. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were discovered to be discriminatory in terms of sensing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas. The impact of doping on structural parameters, optical properties, thermal stability, morphology, and shape were explored using HR-TEM, XRD, SAED, UV–Visible, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and EDS. The doping concentration was optimized for maximal reactivity with gas. ZZ@5 nanocomposites have the highest response (70.9 %) when compared to pure ZnO, ZZ@2, ZZ@7, ZZ@5, and ZZ@10 nanocomposites. NO2 gas reaction and recovery times were 24.5 and 27.8 s, respectively. As the concentration of NO2 gas climbs from 20 to 200 ppm, the reaction to gas sensors increases. NO2 gas has higher selectivity for ZZ@5 nanocomposite than other gases (ethanol, ammonia, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and liquefied petroleum gas). The repeatability of ZZ@5 nanocomposite was researched for 50 days and discovered to be impressive.