Doped Zinc Oxide Research Articles

Influence of Ar gas pressure on the structural and optical properties and surface topography of Al-doped ZnO thin films sputtered by DC-Magnetron sputtering method

In this work, Aluminum doped Zinc oxide thin films were sputtered on glass substrate by the direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering method. The influence of Ar gas pressure on the structural and optical properties was measured. The optical parameters were calculated by UV–Visible spectroscopy, the nature of transition reveals direct allowed transition for the prepared films. Also, some physical quantities such as the strength of electron–phonon interaction, dissipation factor (tanδ) in the visible region and the lattice dielectric constant were presented for these thin films. The AFM analysis extracts surface parameters of the AZO thin films that help us to quantitively investigate the surface analysis. The band gap energy and transition index without any presumption about transition natural were calculated from Derivation Ineffective Thickness Method (DITM) and it was found that the reaction of Ar gas pressure plays an essential part in controlling the physical quantities of AZO thin films.

Maskless deposition of patterned transparent conductive oxides via laser-assisted atmospheric pressure plasma jet

Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are indispensable as transparent electrodes in optoelectronic applications due to their unique features of high optical transmittance, high electrical conductivity, and cost-effective industrial-scale manufacturability. However, patterning TCO films for functional devices requires lengthy and expensive photolithography and etching processes. Although the laser patterning technique—based on nanoparticle ink and particle-free ink—has been used to fabricate patterned metal electrodes without photolithography, it is still unknown if it works for TCO, such as doped zinc oxide (ZnO). Here, we introduce a novel single-step maskless, particle-free, and ink-free process to deposit transparent, conductive Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) patterns on glass substrates via a laser-assisted atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) technique. With the exposure of a plasma jet, GZO patterns can be deposited by scanning a continuous-wave CO2 laser using a galvanometer and computer-aided design (CAD) images. The GZO patterns (∼100 nm thick) are visually transparent and exhibit remarkably low resistivity of 7.89 × 10–4 Ω cm, comparable with that of uniform (unpatterned) GZO films prepared by APPJ only. Our present work fundamentally differs from prior works since neither particles nor ink is applied to the substrate before processing. The entire process is conducted in ambient conditions without substrate preheating and pre-/post-processing. Also, it does not require expensive vacuum apparatus and pulsed laser sources and has a high potential for cost-effective and sustainable fabrication of TCO patterns and circuits.

Properties of Ti doped ZnO nanoparticles under solid state reaction method involving vacuum annealing

The present study deals with synthesis of titanium doped zinc oxide (Ti:ZnO) nanoparticles (NP) using solid state reaction and subjected to vacuum annealing. The Ti doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared at different titanium concentrations (Ti = 0%,1%, 3%, 5% & 7%) and studied the role of Ti on physical properties of the Ti:ZnO nanoparticles. The prepared titanium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were subjected to various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV–Vis-spectrophotometer (UV–Vis–NIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Keithley source meter to study the structural, optical, surface, spectroscopic, elemental and electrical properties, respectively. From the XRD studies, it was found that the Ti:ZnO NP were in hexagonal structure with average crystallite size of 39 nm. The SEM images confirms the formation of the clusters in spherical shape. The EDAX spectrum confirms the presence of the host (Zn & O) and dopant (Ti) elements in the synthesized nanoparticles. The functional groups were confirmed from FT-IR spectrum. The valence states of the elements such as Ti, Zn and O were studied and found as Ti+3, Zn+2 and O−2. The electrical properties of the bulk Ti:ZnO NP were studied using Keithley source meter.

Room temperature ferromagnetism and dielectric enhancement in nanocomposites ZnO doped with iron

Pure and iron with different concentrations (0.2, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 Mol. %) doped zinc oxide, symbolic as Zn: (0.2, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 Fe Mol. %) were synthesized using the self-modified sol–gel technique in powder form. Structural and morphological properties of the samples were studied comparatively by (XRD), (XPS), (FESEM), and (HRTEM), which revealed that the used samples adapted the hexagonal wurtzite structure. Some structural parameters such as strain, crystalline size, and dislocation density, were calculated to have accurate investigation giving rise to the nanostructure phase. The Laser-based Raman micro-spectroscopy presents the homogenous distribution of the iron oxide. The sensing performance of the samples toward the effect of increasing the temperature (from 25 to 150 °C) on the dielectric high-frequency range between 1 MHz up and 1 GHz was investigated with the help of a network impedance analyser (KEYSIGHT-E4991B). The mentioned increase in temperature record ε′ increases values while, it decreases by increasing the frequency, indicating a Debye-type dielectric dispersion. Compared to pure zinc oxide, an enhancement in both (σac) and the impedance real part Z′ was observed in the nanocomposite Z0.2F sample at higher dielectric temperature up to 130 °C. In contrast to pure ZnO, the area of the hysteresis loop against iron concentration for the doped samples increases with an increase in iron concentration. This behavior enhances ferromagnetism in Fe-doped ZnO nanostructure material.

The role of defects on linear and nonlinear optical properties of pristine and nickel doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

We herein report the marked influence of defects on the optical and nonlinear optical properties of nanoparticles, revealed from our investigations on pristine and nickel doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn(1 − x)NixO). These nanoparticles have been prepared via a simple and cost- effective hydrothermal technique, and their structure has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Field emission scanning electron microscopy shows the rod-like structure of Zn(1 − x)NixO nanoparticles, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectra confirm the existence of divalent oxidation states of zinc (Zn) and nickel. The presence of defect states due oxygen (O2) vacancies along with Zn interstitials have been identified from the Raman spectra. An indirect relation between the band gap energy and Urbach energy has been manifested from the linear optical studies using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectra. Photoluminescence emission peaks have been noted in the visible region for an excitation wavelength (λex) of 325 nm. The suppression of peaks in the UV region is attributed to the presence of defects in the synthesized samples. Third order nonlinear optical studies reveal an increment in the nonlinear parameters on doping, which can be correlated with the influence of defects like Zn interstitials and O2 vacancies developed in the materials.

Hydrothermal growth and ultraviolet sensing performance of well-aligned Ga-doped ZnO nanowire arrays

Herein, gallium (Ga)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire arrays (GZNWAs) with different Ga doping concentrations (Ga/Zn = 0–4 atom%) were grown on the interdigital patterned fluoro-doped tin oxide glass substrates by a hydrothermal technique, their crystalline structure, morphology and ultraviolet (UV) sensing performance were focused on investigating. The results showed that all the as-grown samples were hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO. When the Ga doping concentration was below 4%, well-aligned GZNWAs were achieved. Furthermore, five UV photodetectors (PDs) were prepared using the GZNWAs as photoactive layers, all the devices were found to be excellent responses towards 365 nm light. Among these devices, the GZNWAs UV PD (1% Ga) maintained the optimal performance, its responsivity, sensitivity, detectivity, external quantum efficiency, response time and decay time were 72.8 A/W at 5 V, 747.8 at 0 V, 5.5 × 1012 Jones, 2.5 × 104%, 10.6 s and 45.6 s, respectively.

Synthesis of Silver, Gold, and Platinum Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Water.

In this paper, we propose a simple two-step method for the synthesis of Ag, Au, and Pt-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The method is based on the fabrication of targets using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique where thin layers of metals (Ag, Pt, Au) have been deposited on a metal-oxide bulk substrate (ZnO). Such formed structures were used as a target for the production of doped nanoparticles (ZnO: Ag, ZnO: Au, and ZnO: Pt) by laser ablation in water. The influence of Ag, Au, and Pt doping on the optical properties, structure and composition, sizing, and morphology was studied using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The band-gap energy decreased to 3.06, 3.08, and 3.15 for silver, gold, and platinum-doped ZnO compared to the pure ZnO (3.2 eV). PL spectra showed a decrease in the recombination rate of the electrons and holes in the case of doped ZnO. SEM, TEM, and AFM images showed spherical-shaped nanoparticles with a relatively smooth surface. The XRD patterns confirm that Ag, Au, and Pt were well incorporated inside the ZnO lattice and maintained a hexagonal wurtzite structure. This work could provide a new way for synthesizing various doped materials.

Yttrium doped ZnO nanofillers reinforced epoxy coating for anticorrosion application

In the present study, synthesized pure and Yttrium (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mM) doped Zinc Oxide (YZO) nanoparticles by chemical precipitation method. X-ray diffractogram asserts the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles. The average crystallite size was found to be 22–17 nm. The hexagonal shape, surface morphology, particle size and elemental composition of the samples were analyzed by FESEM, HRTEM and EDAX. The anticorrosive property of nanoscopic size (17 nm) YZO/epoxy nanocomposite was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique in both neutral and acidic media. Epoxy/YZO nanocomposites were prepared using different loadings (0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 wt%) of yttrium doped ZnO nanoparticles. The results obtained confirm that 0.10 wt% is the optimum concentration to get superior anticorrosion activity Epoxy/YZO nanocomposites were applied on mild steel substrates. The acquisition of yttrium doped ZnO nanofillers into the plain epoxy coating materially increased the charge transfer resistance Rct by 3.5 times in oxalic acid solution as against epoxy/ZnO coating. This encapsulates that the YZO nanoparticles are a potential anti-corrosive filler in coat on mild steel.

Precursor Molarity Influence on Sprayed Mo-doped ZnO Films for solar cells

Objectives: Current research focuses on the role of precursor molarity effect on sprayed Mo-doped ZnO films and their suitability as window layers in solar cells. Methods: Molybdenum (Mo) doped zinc oxide (MZO) thin films were deposited by the technique of spray pyrolysis, varying the Zn molarity in the range, of 0.01 M to 0.20 M at a constant substrate temperature of 400 ◦C. The Mo doping concentration was constant at 2 at. %. Findings: The XPS studies witnessed the presence of Mo and Zn in +6 and +2 state respectively. The XRD pattern showed both (111) and (002) as strong peaks, confirming the hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. The optical investigations showed that the MZO films with Zn molarity 0.10 M exhibited high optical transmittance having a wide energy band gap. Films with zinc molarity of 0.10 M showed low resistivity and high mobility. The prepared CTS/MZO hetero junction solar cells performance was studied by evaluating parameters such as open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.14 V, short circuit current density (Jsc) of 6.46 mA cm-2, a fill factor (FF) of 0.27, and a conversion efficiency of 0.25 %. Novelty: Studies on the physical properties of Mo:ZnO layers such as Ritveld refinement analysis and Haze were reported first time. CTS/MZO hetero junction solar cells have not yet been published. The observed results are analogous to improve the efficiency of solar cells using environmentally benign materials. Keywords: Spray pyrolysis; Thin films; XRD; Optical properties; Haze; Hall measurements

Multilayered Electroactive Polyaniline-ZnO Modified GCE for Electrochemical Detection of Paracetamol

Paracetamol (PC) is widely used for defensive and medicinal purposes for human beings. But their deposition in the human body will persuade thoughtful health risks. So, the enhancement of sensitive and selective techniques for the easy and fast detection of PC is extremely fundamental. Multilayered electroactive polyaniline-ZnO nanocomposite (NC) film was developed for PC detection which was based on the oxidation of PC with polyaniline doped zinc oxide on a glassy carbon electrode (PANI/ZnO/GCE). PANI and PANI/ZnO NCs were fabricated by both electrochemical and in-situ oxidative chemical polymerization methods. The morphology of PANI/ZnO shows that the polymer was distributed on the surface of ZnO, and the XRD pattern confirms that the average size calculated was 7.48 nm for PANI/ZnO. From UV-Vis measurements, the PANI/ZnO composite shows a redshift relative to PANI and ZnO. Moreover, FT-IR spectra show that chemical bonds and stretching are assigned to different peaks. Using differential pulse voltammetry, the fabricated PANI/ZnO/GCE electrochemical sensor displays good analytical performance for PC with detection limits of 4 × 10−8 M and a sensitivity of 2.571 mA/1 × 10−8 M with a linear concentration of PC within the range of 1.0 to 7.0 × 10−8 M.

Green facile synthesis of Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles from Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract and investigation of their Antibacterial activity

The unique characteristics of the green synthesis pathway have opened the way for a new field of scientific investigation. The current study used green chemistry methodologies to produce pure zinc oxide (ZnO) (G1) and silver doped zinc oxide (Ag doped ZnO) (G2) nanoparticles (NPs) using Gymnema sylvestre (G. sylvestre) leaf extract as a reducing as well as capping agent. XRD, FESEM, EDAX, and FT-IR investigations were used to investigate the structural characterization of G1 and G2 NPs. The UV–Vis and PL analyses were used to examine the optical characteristics. The results clearly reveal that the leaf extract is the best possible stabilizing agent for the manufacture of G1 and G2 NPs, and that the generated nanoparticles operate as potent microbial agents, inhibiting the growth of a variety of dangerous microbes. Due to their eco–friendly and non–toxic compatibility, the prepared G1 and G2 NPs can be employed for therapeutic and other purposes.

Preparation of manganese(II) oxide doped zinc oxide nanocomposites with improved antibacterial activity via ROS

Bacterial infection is a major cause of life-threatening infections. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) are an inorganic antimicrobial material with non-toxicity and low antimicrobial efficiency. To improve its antimicrobial activity, a series of manganese(II) oxide/ZnO nanocomposites were designed and prepared via a chemical precipitation method. After being characterized via EDS, XRD, SEM, TEM, and HRTEM, the obtained nanocomposites were proved to be successful with no impurities and exhibited smaller particle sizes. It showed improved photocatalytic activity and antibacterial activity under visible light. The MnO/ZnO-2.5% nanocomposite showed 92.3% inhibition against E. coli. MnO/ZnO nanocomposites can kill bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species.

Study of programmed co-precipitation of aluminum doped zinc oxide for high precision design of gas analytical units

Developed high precision protocols of synthesis and printing of materials doped at a level of a few atomic percent serve as a prerequisite to addressing the problem of discreteness of electronic noses, i.e. multisensor arrays. Reproducible composition and microstructure of functional materials are needed to ensure low sensor-to-sensor variation, while high precision printing techniques help to mitigate non-uniformity of the deposited layers, to further ensure orthogonality of signals of a sensor array, especially when realized on a single chip.In this study, we evaluate two precise methods, programmed co-precipitation and aerosol jet printing, for making x%Al:ZnO layers, where x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, and 5.0% over SiO2/Si substrate. We examined the phase and microstructure of the obtained powders depending on the Al content and the synthesis conditions. The obtained powders were utilized to prepare dispersions used as functional inks for aerosol jet printing of oxide microstructures on multielectroded chips to explore their sensing performance.We demonstrated the high influence of both the Al:Zn atomic ratio, and the synthesis conditions on the microstructure of the prepared materials composed of nanoparticles, micro- and nanorods with distinct synthesis-dependent characteristics. All inks based on x%Al:ZnO enabled achieving narrow, down to 50 µm, resolution and printing homogeneous structures, whereas using 0.5 %Al:ZnO nanoparticles ensured the best characteristics of the printed layers.The sensors made of 0.5 %Al:ZnO printed layer demonstrated a high mean sensing response towards 1 ppm of acetone, ethanol, and benzene vapors mixed with air, i.e. 0.75 ± 0.02, 0.51 ± 0.03, and 0.25 ± 0.017 at 250 °C, respectively, and both low detection limit and low sensor-to-sensor variation.

The effect of magnesium doping concentration on the structural and optical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles

In this study, the optical and structural properties of Magnesium doped Zinc Oxide (Zn1-xMgxO) nanoparticles (x = 1%, 3%, and 5%) were examined. The synthesis was carried out at 300 oC by using a simple co-precipitation method. The structural samples were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to determine the chemical composition of the samples. Furthermore, UV-Vis spectroscopy was conducted to study our samples’ optical characteristics. As per XRD analysis, both pure and Mg doped ZnO samples possess wurtzite structure. The particle size was revealed to decrease significantly with Mg concentration, from 36 nm for pure sample to 23.87 nm with 5% Mg. In comparison to ZnO, the XRD pattern of Mg-doped ZnO shows a peak shift towards lower 2θ values. As a result of deformation of crystal structure caused by integrated Mg+2 ions onto Zn+2 sites. SEM images of synthesized samples reveal that the nanoparticles possess sheet, spherical and rod like morphologies for different values of x. The EDX analysis verifies the purity of samples within the detection limits. According to optical absorption spectra obtained from UV-Visible spectroscopy in the 200nm to 1000nm range affirmed that as Mg concentration increased, the band gap increased from 3.37 eV for pure sample to 3.74 eV with 5% Mg. The UV-Visible spectra of pure ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO samples also exhibit distinct peaks in the UV region at 335 nm, 311 nm, 310.6 nm, and 310 nm. Across the spectra of pure and Mg-doped ZnO samples, the UV peak is attributed to free exciton transitions, whereas, in the spectra of Mg-doped ZnO UV absorbance peak in the visible region is attributed to the radiative transitions of electrons captured at oxygen vacant sites with holes trapped at singly ionized oxygen vacancies.

Microstructure, surface morphology and anticancer activity of magnesium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

Depending upon their origin and synthesis methods, nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical, structural and morphological characteristics, which are important in a wide variety of applications concomitant to various fields. In the present work, Magnesium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles with different concentrations (5 atomic % and 10 atomic %) are prepared and the prepared samples are annealed at 200 ⸰C for 2 h in a muffle furnace. The structure, surface morphology, chemical composition, optical properties and photoluminescence properties were analyzed using standard procedures. The antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity against the breast cancer MDAMB231 cancer cell line of prepared nanoparticles were explored. A simple, economical soft chemical method was used. The XRD analysis confirmed the presence of hexagonal wurtzite phase with a space group P63mc all the prepared samples. The estimated average grain size for the sample MZ2 (18.16 nm) was smaller than the other samples. The SEM micrograph showed that the morphology of the samples were exhibited the rod shape (MZ1, MZ2 and MZ4) and flower shape (MZ3). The purity of the samples was confirmed by EDAX data. The estimated band gap energy of sample MZ1 and sample MZ3 were 3.41e V and 3.38 e V from the UV-vis analysis. The FT-IR spectra of the samples predicted the presence of functional groups for Zn-O and Mg-O bonds. The PL analysis displayed a strong UV emission peak at 387 nm and a green emission peak at 557 nm. The results of the prepared samples prove the potential toxicity against MDAMB231 breast cancer cell line.

Lead (II) adsorption from aqueous systems using visible light activated cobalt doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

In this study, co-precipitation method was used to produce cobalt doped zinc oxide (CoZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) by reacting zinc, cobalt and hydroxide (OH− ) in methanol at 60 °C and used as an adsorbent for the removal of lead (Pb) from aqueous systems. Co-ZnO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) via X-ray Diffractometer (JDX-3532, JEOL, Japan), while Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was carried out for the shape and size of the NPs. Results shows that Co-ZnO NPs was oval in shape within the size range between 40 to 60 nm. Moreover, the Pb(II) adsorption on Co-ZnO NPs surface was carried out with respect to time, optimum dose, different pH, light effects, filtration and sonication process. The result shows that Co-ZnO NPs can remove Pb(II) efficiently from aqueous systems in the presence of sunlight, optimum dose, neutral pH, and sonication process, while the same NPs could not show effective removal of Pb(II) with respect to darkness, tube light, low and high pH respectively. Using Co-ZnO NPs, Pb(II) can be reduced up to the permissible limit set by World health organization (WHO). CoZnO NPs work effectively in pH range of 5.8–7.2 so therefore, no need to adjust the pH of test solution for the activation of these NPs. The synthesized Co-ZnO NPs are eco-friendly and a capable adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous systems.

Effect of annealing in argon atmosphere on the properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with Mn(II) and Co(II) ions prepared in solvothermal synthesis

Methods of preparation and application of zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with Mn(II) and Co(II) ions are presented and discussed in the paper. Part one shows the results of the solvothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with Mn(II) and Co(II) ions. The effect of process parameters on the properties of doped nano zinc oxide has been identified. We also examined the impact of annealing in argon atmosphere of doped zinc oxide nanoparticles on physicochemical properties. Morphology analysis was performed using scanning microscopy and molecular analysis was performed using by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry. The zeta potential was measured for samples annealed in argon atmosphere and for samples not annealed. Phase analysis was performed by x-ray diffraction. Based on this analysis, the lattice parameters were determined.

Impact of Mo-Doping on the Structural, Optical, and Electrocatalytic Degradation of ZnO Nanoparticles: Novel Approach

Pure and Molybdenum (Mo)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared by a cost-effective combustion synthesis route. XRD results revealed the decrement in crystallite size of ZnO with an increase in Mo-doping concentration. Optical bandgap (Eg) values were determined using optical reflectance spectra of these films measured in the range of 190–800 nm. The Eg values decreased with increasing the Mo-doping concentration. The dielectric properties of these samples were studied to determine the dielectric constant values. Raman spectra of these samples were recorded to know the structure. These sample absorption spectra were recorded for electrocatalytic applications. All the prepared samples were subjected to electrocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B. The 0.01 wt% Mo doped ZnO showed 100% in 7 min electrocatalytic degradation.

Cytotoxicity and antibacterial effects of silver doped zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared using fruit extract of Capsicum Chinense

Phyto-mediated nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted great attention in recent times due to their unique properties such as high biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, silver- zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag/ZnO-NPs) were prepared using the fruit extract of Capsicum Chinense. The results obtained from both structural, and optical characterization of the nanoparticles confirmed the purity of the composites and their high crystallinity. The nanoparticles exhibited two absorption peaks at 376 and 258 nm with a bang gap energy of 3.53 eV, and the nanoparticulate size of the materials exhibited antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. The Ag/ZnO-NPs exhibited better proliferative activity against HEK 293 cells than HeLa cells. The antibacterial study showed that both the pristine and the composite nanoparticles (ZnO and Ag/ZnO-NPs) have high bactericidal effect on all tested bacterial pathogens, with Ag/ZnO-NPs displaying better antibacterial activity. Cytotoxicity studies showed a dose-dependent proliferative relationship between Ag/ZnO-NPs and tested cancer cells (HEK 293 and HeLa). Antibacterial results showed significant zones of bactericidal inhibition for all tested bacterial pathogens using the biosynthesized ZnO and Ag/ZnO-NPs. These findings demonstrated two-fold applications of biosynthesized Ag/ZnO-NPs, as anticancer and antibacterial agents.

Growth of Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Incorporated ZnO Nanorods on Silicon Pyramidal Substrates for Enhanced Hydrogen Sensing Applications

Monitoring the hydrogen gas (H2) level is highly important in a wide range of applications. Oxide-carbon hybrids have emerged as a promising material for the fabrication of gas sensors for this purpose. Here, for the first time, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-doped zinc oxide nanorods (ZNRs) have been grown on silicon (Si) pyramid-shaped surfaces by the facile hydrothermal reaction method. The systematic material analyses have revealed that the g-C3N4 nanostructures (NS) have been consistently incorporated into the ZNRs on the pyramidal silicon (Py-Si) surface (g-C3N4-ZNRs/Py-Si). The combined properties of the present structure exhibit an excellent sensitivity (∼53%) under H2 gas exposure, better than that of bare ZNRs (12%). The results revealed that the fine incorporation of g-C3N4 into ZNRs on the Py-Si surface improves the H2 gas sensing properties when compared to that of the planar silicon (Pl-Si) surface. The doping of g-C3N4 into ZNRs increases the electrical conductivity through its graphene-like edges (due to the formation of delocalized bonds in g-C3N4 during carbon self-doping), as revealed by FESEM images. In addition, the presence of defects in g-C3N4 induces the gas adsorption properties of ZnO through its active sites. Moreover, the integration of the 1D structure (g-C3N4-ZNRs) into a 3D pyramidal structure opens up new opportunities for low-cost H2 gas sensing at room temperature. It is an easy way to enhance the gas sensing properties of ZNRs at room temperature, which is desirable for practical H2 sensor applications.