Composition Zn0 Research Articles

Chemical and structural disorder in the kagome spin S=12 systems ZnCu3(OH)6Cl2 and YCu3(OH)6Br2[Brx(OH)1−x]

By single crystal diffraction we characterize the chemostructural disorder introduced by Zn-Cu site mixing in the kagome spin S=12 systems herbertsmithite ZnCu3(OH)6Cl2 and YCu3(OH)6Br2[Brx(OH)1−x]. For an untwinned single crystal of herbertsmithite of composition Zn0.95(1)Cu2.99(3)O5.9(1)H5.8(1)Cl2 we find substitution by Cu of the Zn atoms in the layers separating the kagome layers as well as substantial Zn substitution for Cu in the kagome layers. In YCu3(OH)6Br2[Brx(OH)1−x] site mixing disorder is present for intermediate x. Analogous to the Cl homologous system in crystals with x=1/3 disorder is absent and a low-temperature structural transition emerges driven by strong magnetophonon coupling as a release of frustration. Apart from this structural anomaly we find the physical properties of these crystals unchanged compared to intermediate x and closely resembling the Cl homologue where long-range magnetic order was observed. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Study of structural and electrical properties of Cd+2 doped Mn-Zn ferrites synthesized by co-precipitation method

The main purpose of this work was to study the electrical, structural and optical properties of Cd-doped Zn based soft ferrites. A series of nano-particles with composition Zn0.5Mn0.5- xCdxFe2O4 (x= 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09) prepared by the Co-precipitation route. After preparing, the samples sintered at temperature 900⁰C for 6 hours. Different characterization techniques like XRD (X-Ray-Diffraction), FTIR (Fourier-TransformInfrared-spectroscopy), UV-vis. and IV-characteristics were used to explore the effect of doping element (Cd) on the electrical, structural and optical properties of Nano-particles. XRD data confirmed the single phase of material with second phase of Fe2O3 and average crystalline size in range from 38.09-45.15 nm. The value of average lattice constant for the prepared material found in range from 8.4471 Å to 8.4763 Å. In FTIR data one prominent band is found in all sample and in some sample second band was found in range from 400- 4000cm-1. IV-observation revealed the dependence of DC-resistivity on temperature and the value for activation energy (∆𝐸𝐸) found in range from 0.1365 to 0.4332 eV/1000K. The UV-vis. analysis confirm the absorption peak for all samples at average wavelength 286 nm. At this wavelength absorption for all samples was in range from 2.8722-3.2956 (a.u). Cd concentration is responsible for the decrease of saturation magnetizations and losses. Due to suitable properties, these materials are useful in different fields like Recording-Media, high-frequency applications and many branches of electronic engineering etc.

Investigation of Cr3+ doped Zn-Co nanoferrites as potential candidate for self-regulated magnetic hyperthermia applications

Controlling the Curie temperature (TC) in the range from 42 °C–46 °C in magnetic hyperthermia (MH) therapy is an essential research topic because overheating can cause irreversible damage to healthy tissue. When TC is in the above temperature range, the magnetic nanoparticles reach a paramagnetic state, effectively turning off the MH treatment. In this work, we synthesized Zn-Co nanoparticles of representative composition Zn0.54Co0.46CrxFe2-xO4, where the Fe3+ cations are carefully replaced by Cr3+ ions, which allow a precise tuning of TC and hence the self-regulation of MH. The x-ray diffraction analysis of the prepared nanoparticles confirms the formation of a single-phase cubic spinel structure. The average crystallite of the nanoparticles increases with Cr3+ doping, while the Tc and saturation magnetization decrease considerably from 78 °C (x = 0.1) to 27 °C (x = 0.6) and 46.6 emu g−1 (x = 0.1) to 15.3 emu g−1 (x = 0.6), respectively. Besides MH potential of the investigated samples as revealed from specific absorption rate (SAR) assays and the maximum temperature reach (Tmax), vary from 7 W g−1 and 37.3 °C, for x = 0.6, to 38 W g−1 and 62.9 °C, for x = 0.1, we found that the composition Zn0.54Co0.46Cr0.4Fe1.6O4 is more promising with SAR of 22 W g−1 and Tmax = 42.3 °C, which is precisely lies in the safe temperature range to automatically activate the self-regulation during the magnetic hyperthermia treatment. The results reveal an excellent combination between size distribution and Cr3+ content in Zn-Co-based ferrite, which has a great potential for self-regulated magnetic hyperthermia applications.

Fabrication of Zn0.25Co0.75(MnZr)xFe2–2xO4 spinel ferrites as broadband microwave absorbers in 26.5–40 GHz frequency range

With the advent of 5 G technologies, developing microwave-absorbing materials is an urgent need to address the issues caused by harmful electromagnetic pollution. For this purpose, a novel ferrite series with composition Zn0.25Co0.75(MnZr)xFe2–2xO4 (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.25, ∆x = 0.05) was successfully synthesized using the sol-gel citrate route. Also, the effects of the co-substitution of Mn and Zr on the structural, morphological, magnetic, electromagnetic, and microwave absorption characteristics of zinc-cobalt spinel ferrites were studied. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the formation of nanoparticles having a cubic spinel lattice structure. Coercivity was found to decrease whereas saturation magnetization increased with the increasing level of substitution from MZ 0.05 to MZ 0.25. In Ka-band, the experimental results showed that MZ 0.15 outperformed all the prepared compositions by exhibiting a minimum reflection loss of −27.99 dB and an efficient absorption bandwidth of 6.5 GHz at a narrow sample thickness of 2.2 mm. The simulation performed by varying the sample thickness revealed that the high values of gross loss tangent and excellent impedance matching lead the composition MZ 0.20 to achieve the optimum value of reflection loss of − 42.71 dB at a matching frequency of 29.20 GHz and a matching thickness of 1.1 mm. These findings suggested that the fabricated materials prove to be efficient absorbers in the 26.5–40 GHz frequency range.

Intense Blue Chromophores in Cobalt Doped Phenacite‐Type Zinc Germanate System through Jahn‐Teller Distortion of Co Tetrahedron

AbstractIn the quest for new blue chromophores with less usage of cobalt alternatives to the carcinogenic and expensive zinc‐cobalt aluminate system, we developed cobalt doped phenacite type zinc germanate system. Rietveld analysis reveals that the CoO4 tetrahedron intensely experienced Jahn‐Teller distortions leading to irregular geometry on substitution. The UV‐vis‐IR absorption spectra exhibit intense Co2+ d‐d transitions with three fold splitting associated with the CoO4 tetrahedron in the visible and IR region, indicating low symmetry. The crystal field strength 10Dq, Racah parameter and Nephelauxetic ratio variations reflect on the improved covalency of the Co2+ environment. Thus the synergetic effect of Jahn‐Teller distortions and covalency of the CoO4 tetrahedron lead to strong absorptions in the green to red region resulting in intense blue colors with low cobalt content (2.2 to 8.9 mol %). The typical composition Zn1.6Co0.4GeO4 exhibits intense blue hue b*=−58.64, much higher than that of the commercial CoAl2O4 system.

Realization of high thermoelectric power factor in Ta-doped ZnO by grain boundary engineering

Electrical conductivity in nanostructured ZnO bulks is limited by the inherently low carrier mobility caused by the high density of grain boundaries and interfaces. In this study, Zn1−xTaxO (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) with micro/nanoplatelet structures composed of nearly coherent dense grain boundaries with a low misorientation angle of ∼4° between the grains was successfully fabricated. Despite the presence of a significant amount of grain boundaries and interfaces in the sintered bulk material, a high carrier mobility (52.2 cm2 V−1 s−1) was obtained in the composition Zn0.99Ta0.01O, which is comparable to the value shown by ZnO single crystals and far higher than their ordinary nanostructured counterparts (<15 cm2 V−1 s−1). In addition, the distortion of the density of states increased effective mass induced by Ta 5d hybridization in ZnO caused a Seebeck coefficient of −290 μV K−1 at 1002 K resulting in a high power factor of 15.2 × 10−4 W m−1 K−2 at 1002 K.

First synthesis of a nanohybrid composed of a layered double hydroxide of Zn2Al intercalated with SO42−/Na+/Ag+ and decorated with Ago nanoparticles

A layered double hydroxide with the composition Zn6Al3(OH)18][Na(H2O)6(SO4)2].6H2O was synthesized by coprecipitation with increasing pH and characterized by several instrumental techniques. Two dispersions of the solid were magnetically stirred in an excess of Ag2SO4 solution with two different pH values and in both samples hydrated sodium cations were partially exchanged with hydrated Ag+ and the morphology of the crystals was preserved as well as the metals’ and sulfur content. After the exchange reactions, the X-ray diffraction patterns indicated a small increase of the basal distances, while the FTIR spectra were almost identical, as was the morphology of the layered crystals. Also, during the reaction performed under air, part of the Ag+ was reduced to nanometric Ago particles, decorating the layered crystals, as indicated by chemical analysis, SEM/TEM and UV–Vis. The materials obtained have the composition Zn0.666Al0.333(OH)2][Na0.111-xAg+x(SO4)0.222].Ago with the possibility to varying the content of intercalated Ag+ and Ago nanoparticles by varying the concentration of the Ag2SO4, pH of the dispersion and time of exchange reaction.

Zn-substituted iron oxide nanoparticles from thermal decomposition and their thermally treated derivatives for magnetic solid-phase extraction

Controlled thermal decomposition of zinc and iron acetylacetonates in the presence of oleic acid and oleylamine provided surfactant-capped magnetic nanoparticles with narrow size distribution and the mean diameter of ≈15 nm. The combined study by XRD, XRF and Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed three important features of the as-prepared nanoparticles. First, the actual ratio of Zn:Fe was considerably lower in the product compared to the initial ratio of metal precursors (0.14 vs. 0.50). Second, a pure stoichiometric Zn-doped magnetite system, specifically of the composition Zn0.37Fe2.63O4, with no signatures of oxidation to maghemite was formed. Third, Zn2+ ions were distributed at both tetrahedral and octahedral sites, and the observed preference for the tetrahedral site was only twice as high as for theoctahedral site. Furthermore, carbon-coated nanoparticles were achieved by pyrolysis of the surfactants at 500 °C, providing a potential sorbent of organic pollutants with room-temperature magnetization as high as 79.1 emu g−1 and very low carbon content of 5 wt%. The thermal treatment, albeit intended only for the carbonization of surfactants, did alter also the non-equilibrium cation distribution toward the equilibrium one by the relocation of a considerable fraction of the octahedrally coordinated Zn2+ to the tetrahedral sites. Preliminary experiments with magnetic solid-phase extraction of β-estradiol from aqueous solutions evidenced applicability and reusability of the carbon-coated product in the separation of steroid pollutants.

Influence of Ce3+ substitution on the structural, electrical and magnetic properties of Zn0.5Mn0.43Cd0.07Fe2O4 spinel ferrites

In this paper, the effect of Ce3+ ions addition on the microstructure, electrical and magnetic behaviour of Cadmium doped Mn–Zn ferrites was investigated. A series having composition Zn0·5Mn0·43Cd0·07Fe2-yCeyO4 (y = 0.0–0.7) was synthesized by wet chemical route. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that prepared particles having size in nano-regime having cubic spinel structure with preferred (311) plane. Weakening of (311) plane intensity and emergence of secondary phase with Ce3+ ion concentration verified the substitution of Ce3+ ions in the spinel lattice of ferrite. The crystallite size varied between 46.4 and 67 nm as the concentration of Ce3+ ions increased from x = 0.0–0.7. Temperature and composition dependent electrical resistivity and activation energy values were calculated by current-voltage (I–V) characteristics in the temperature range 423–823 K by two probe method. It was observed that DC Resistivity and activation energy of synthesized nanoparticle ranges between109 to ~1010 Ohm cm and 11.78–2.56 eV respectively with increasing the concentration of Ce3+ ions. MH curves of prepared samples showed the paramagnetic nature of spinel feerites. The reported data suggested that these particles promising candidates for high-frequency applications.

Role of Ga-substitution in ZnO on defect states, carrier density, mobility and UV sensing

Gallium (Ga3+) doped ZnO with compositions Zn1−xGaxO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.0468) is prepared using the sol–gel method. ZnO Wurtzite structure having space group P63mc is confirmed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. The lesser ionic radii (0.62 A) and higher charge (3+) of Gallium attracts more oxygen into the lattice and therefore a reduction in oxygen vacancies (VO) is observed. Photoluminescence (PL) study reveals that defects present in ZnO lattice decreases with Ga substitution. This is also reflected in Urbach energy study. Enhancement in yellow emission in higher doped sample indicates the increases in oxygen interstitials (Oi). Conductivity increases due to rise of carrier concentration and mobility of the charge carriers. Interestingly p-type conduction is obtained in Ga-substituted ZnO samples. UV-sensing enhances with substitution too, i.e. photocurrent increases. However, the dark current plays crucial role in sensitivity. Reduction in oxygen vacancy, increase in oxygen interstitials and carrier recombination controls the recovery and response time.

Exploring Tantalum as a Potential Dopant to Promote the Thermoelectric Performance of Zinc Oxide.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has being recognised as a potentially interesting thermoelectric material, allowing flexible tuning of the electrical properties by donor doping. This work focuses on the assessment of tantalum doping effects on the relevant structural, microstructural, optical and thermoelectric properties of ZnO. Processing of the samples with a nominal composition Zn1−xTaxO by conventional solid-state route results in limited solubility of Ta in the wurtzite structure. Electronic doping is accompanied by the formation of other defects and dislocations as a compensation mechanism and simultaneous segregation of ZnTa2O6 at the grain boundaries. Highly defective structure and partial blocking of the grain boundaries suppress the electrical transport, while the evolution of Seebeck coefficient and band gap suggest that the charge carrier concentration continuously increases from x = 0 to 0.008. Thermal conductivity is almost not affected by the tantalum content. The highest ZT~0.07 at 1175 K observed for Zn0.998Ta0.002O is mainly provided by high Seebeck coefficient (−464 μV/K) along with a moderate electrical conductivity of ~13 S/cm. The results suggest that tantalum may represent a suitable dopant for thermoelectric zinc oxide, but this requires the application of specific processing methods and compositional design to enhance the solubility of Ta in wurtzite lattice.

Computational and experimental analysis on Te-doped ZnSb thermoelectric material

We report a combined theoretical and experimental work on the tellurium doping of thermoelectric ZnSb. We investigated the influence of tellurium on the phase’s stabilities by DFT calculations. During experimental validation by SEM and EPMA characterization “needlelike” areas of Te-doped ZnSb were identified. The experimental results also highlight that for the compositions Zn0.5 Sb0.5-x Tex the system reaches a non-equilibrium state where ZnSb, ZnTe and Te-doped ZnSb are simultaneously present. The determination of the doping mechanism has demonstrated the formation of Te-doped Zn4Sb3 after quenching, leading to the formation of Te-doped ZnSb due to the zinc diffusion during annealing. Presumed from experimental observation oxygen prevents the tellurium diffusion. These results lead to the conclusion of an inert processing chain as a prerequisite for production of n-type ZnSb, which puts hurdles on a cheap and easily scalable tellurium doping for homogeneous and competitive products.

Quaternary Wurtzitic Nitrides in the System ZnGeN2–GaN: Powder Synthesis, Characterization, and Potentiality as a Photocatalyst

We developed a new quaternary wurtzitic nitride system by formation of the solid solution between ZnGeN2 and GaN. Near stoichiometric and monophasic powder samples in the composition Zn1–xGe1–xGa2xN2 (x ≤ 0.50) were obtained by the reduction–nitridation synthesis conducted at 900 °C. The results of crystal structure refinement clearly revealed that the cation ordering in the structure of ZnGeN2 (Pna21) tends to disappear by introducing Ga into the lattice, and the structure transforms to a simple wurtzite phase (P63mc) with the composition of x ≥ 0.33. The observed structural evolution was further confirmed by the results of 71Ga solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, showing an unsplit single peak observed for x ≥ 0.33. The dissolution of GaN into ZnGeN2 also resulted in a marked narrowing of the band gap, from the ultraviolet region of 3.42 eV to the visible-light range of 3.02–3.05 eV, depending scarcely on the value of x. The results of photocatalytic test reactions for water splitting showed that the synthesized Zn1–xGe1–xGa2xN2 solid solution possessed the H2 evolution rate of 2.8–3.6 μmol/h and the relatively high O2 evolution rate of 100.4–126.6 μmol/h, as well as the capability for overall water splitting under the visible-light irradiation of λ > 400 nm.

Combinatorial screening of photoanode materials - Uniform platform for compositional arrays and macroscopic electrodes

A new work flow for high-throughput evaluation of complex metal oxides for water splitting relies on the use of commercial material printer for library production and scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy (SPECM) for hit identification. The printing process is optimized into several directions using as an example binary mixtures of Zn2+ and Fe3+ salts as precursors. Firstly, temporary barrier layers from eicosane are printed to confine the spots to a particular region and to allow larger drop sizes without merging of neighboring droplets. Secondly, a glycerol droplet is printed before the application of metal salts to serve as a carrier liquid that is non-volatile at room temperature. The metal salt solutions are printed from ethylene glycol solutions into the carrier droplets. With these precautions, the drop remained as liquid phase on the substrate with their lateral position locked by the eicosane grid. This avoids problems with the early crystallization of metal salts between successive printing and ensured complete mixing of the precursor solution. The liquid drops are then thermally processed by temperature-programmed heating up to 600 °C allowing the sequential drying of the spots, evaporation of the grid structures and formation of ferrites. The same procedure is used to cover macroscopic electrodes with a large number of spots of identical composition to verify hits in laboratory photoelectrochemical cells and to use photocurrent transient and chopped light voltammetry for their further characterization. Structural characterization of the composition (Zn0.17Fe0.83Ox) with highest activity is performed by Raman and photoelectron spectroscopy. The opportunity to use the same printing protocols to form compositional libraries as well as extended single component electrodes allows screening of medium-sized arrays and the fast transition to more in depth single component experimentation using exclusively standard laboratory instrumentation.

ZnCdS:Cu,Al,Cl: A Near Infra-Red Emissive Family of Phosphors for Marking, Coding, and Identification

Zn1-xCdx:Cu0.03%,Cl (where x = 0.5–0.9) infrared emitting phosphors have been synthesized by an aqueous thermal decomposition method. The aim was to developing infrared emitting phosphors for coding, marking, and identification applications. The phosphors were characterized by, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The emission band at 1000 nm was sufficiently far into the infrared region that visible emission was minimized. Co-doping Zn1-xCdxS:Cu0.03% with Al3+ increased the infrared emission intensity to over twice that of the equivalent Zn0.3Cd0.7S:Cu0.03% phosphor (with no Al3+ ion co-doping), with the highest intensity being found for the phosphor composition Zn0.1Cd0.9S:Cu0.03%, Al0.03%. It is shown herein that the inclusion of Al3+ into the phosphors causes the formation of cells with smaller cell volume, and it is suggested that this is the prerequisite for the improved photoluminescent properties. Finally we have shown herein that these infrared emitting powder phosphors are thus able to meet marking and coding requirements, especially in low light and poor visibility.

Spin canting and magnetism in nano-crystalline Zn1−xAlxO

Al doped nanocrystalline ZnO (∼30 nm) with composition Zn1−xAlxO (0.005 < x < 0. 03) were synthesised by pyrophoric technique and sintered at 650 °C. We performed detailed electron spin resonance (ESR) studies on this system to understand the spin ordering and magnetism. The spin canting order and magneto-crystalline anisotropy obtained through ESR measurements follow each other and have a broad peak for Al doping concentration of 0.02, which also matches with the saturation magnetisation ‘Ms’ maximum, that is obtained by direct magnetisation measurement using VSM. However, it is intriguing that the spin susceptibility has a broad minimum around the same doping level (0.02). Through the ESR measurement this observed weak ferromagnetism is attributed to the spin canted magnetism in the system. Other supportive experimental data from UV–Vis, PL and Raman analysis give a clear picture of defect structures in the form of oxygen vacancies that faciliates the occurrence of room temperature ferromagnetism which of course is through spin canting mechanism.

1D core–shell magnetoelectric nanocomposites by template-assisted liquid phase deposition

We demonstrate here that the liquid phase deposition (LPD) method, a simple, low cost and highly reproducible synthetic approach generally used for the deposition of high quality metal oxide thin films, can be reliably extended to the rational design of 1D magnetoelectric core–shell nano-architectures. In the first step of the process, highly crystalline ferroelectric (BaTiO3) nanotubes with an average diameter of 200 nm and controllable wall thickness were synthesized by the controlled hydrolysis of metal oxyfluoride precursors upon immersing alumina templates into a treatment solution at temperatures as low as 40 °C. The resulting perovskite nanotubes immobilized within the channels of the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes have been subsequently filled with a spinel ferrite phase, with the chemical composition Zn1.5Fe1.5O4 yielding spinel-perovskite 1D core–shell magnetoelectric architectures. The resulting core–shell tubular nanocomposites have been characterized structurally, morphologically and compositionally and their ferroelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties have been measured. A change from a superparamagnetic to a ferrimagnetic behavior was observed when the pristine spinel ferrite nanotubes were incorporated into the spinel-perovskite core–shell nanocomposites, indicating the existence of a magnetoelectric coupling between the two ferroic phases. Moreover, the measured magnetoelectric coupling coefficient was α = 1.08 V cm−1 Oe−1, a value which is superior to the values reported for similar thin film and tubular spinel ferrite magnetoelectric nanocomposites, thereby indicating a strong strain-mediated coupling between the ferroelectric and magnetostrictive phase in the 1D core–shell nanocomposites and making these materials suitable for implementation into various functional devices.

Synthesis and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Cu‐Doped ZnAl2O4

Spinel materials of composition Zn1−xCuxAl2O4 (ZCA, x = 0–0.015) were prepared via the conventional solid‐state route. The lattice structure, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated as a function of Cu content. Cu doping was found to improve the sinterability and, meanwhile, significantly increase the quality factor (Q × f0), which is due to the Cu‐O bond is stronger than Zn‐O bond, and inhibit the oxygen vacancy considered to be responsible for the enhanced Q × f0 value of ZCA materials. The best microwave dielectric properties were obtained in Zn0.99Cu0.01Al2O4 with εr = 8.69, Q × f0 = 69,300 GHz and τf = −58.3 ppm/°C, which was sintered at 1520°C for 3 h in air.

Sol–gel grown Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles: antibacterial and structural behaviors

Bacterial resistance to antibiotic treatment is an attractive issue. The discovery of new antibiotics often does not respond to the rapidly increasing bacterial resistance and needs innovative approaches to combat bacterial infections. The NPs size-dependent strong anti-bactericidal effect of Zn1−x Fe x O is inspected. Iron (Fe)-doped zinc-oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) with composition Zn1−x Fe x O, where x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05 are synthesized by sol–gel method from nitrate precursors and gelatin at fixed calcination temperature of 650 °C maintained for 2 h. The effects of Fe contents on the antibacterial and structural features of these NPs are inspected. XRD patterns display the single-crystalline nature of samples that exist in hexagonal wurtzite phase. SEM images reveal the existence of nearly spherical-shaped single-crystalline NPs. The observed broadening in the X-ray peaks confirms the evolution of crystalline phases in Zn1−x Fe x O NPs. A quantitative analysis of the size-dependent strain effects is performed through Williamson–Hall and size–strain plot, and its impact of strain on peak broadening is demonstrated. The values of strain, stress, and energy density are calculated. The estimated NPs mean size from FESEM and size–strain plot (SSP) is found to be in close agreement. ZnO NPs in the presence of Fe show some inhibition toward E. coli bacterial growth. Fe acting as impurity in the ZnO nanostructure enhances the power oxidation of ZnO resulting in an augmentation of antimicrobial activity.

Ethanol sensing characteristics of Zn0.99M0.01O (M = Al/Ni) nanopowders

This paper presents a comparative study on gas sensing properties of pure and doped ZnO nano powders. To facilitate doping, Aluminum and nickel precursors were used as dopant/co‐dopants using a simple and reproducible co‐precipitation method. Pure ZnO and samples with compositions Zn0.99M0.01O (M = Al/Ni) and Zn0­.99Al0.005Ni0.005O were prepared to evaluate the effect of Al/Ni doping/co‐doping. The samples were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The electrical conductivity of these samples was measured. A temperature variation of electrical conductivity was used to calculate activation energy of various samples. The samples were subjected to ethanol tests at concentration ranging between 10 and 50 ppm. The metal ion doping showed a marked increase in relative responsiveness of all doped samples. The variation in gas sensing response has been correlated with electrical conductivity, activation energy, and morphology of these samples. This report clearly demonstrates inter‐connection of multiple factors influencing gas sensing properties of metal oxide semiconductors (MOS). Similar tests performed with methanol exposure show much reduced relative responses for all the samples in comparison to ethanol. These studies can be exploited for tailoring of futuristic sensors with improved responses.