Abstract
ZnO and its nanocomposites with In2O3 have been synthesized by a simple microwave-assisted co-precipitation method. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area measurement, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and used as sensors for detection of ethanol with remarkable response and selectivity and negligible response to CO and methane. The results show that proportions of In3+ and Zn2+ have significant effect on morphology, crystallite size, surface area, photoluminescence and sensing properties. As the In2O3 content of the samples increases, the BET surface area increases up to 4.7 times. The gas sensing mechanism of these sensors is discussed in details. The sensor with 0.02:1.0 and 0.08:1.0 molar ratios of In3+:Zn2+are highly sensitive and selective for the detection of ethanol.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have