Selective H2S detection by CuO functionalized ZnO nanotetrapods at room temperature

Abstract

ZnO nanotetrapods have been synthesized by carbothermal method. The structure, phase, morphology of the synthesized sample were investigated by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy and Selected area electron diffraction. The gas-sensing characteristics of thick films of pure and CuO-functionalized ZnO Nanotetrapods have been compared. Pure ZnO nanotetrapod films were found to be sensitive to both H2S and NO with similar sensitivities, at a temperature of 250–300 °C. It is demonstrated that functionalization of ZnO nanotetrapods with CuO, results in selectivity towards H2S at a lower temperature of 50 °C.