Effect of sensitizers on H2S sensing properties of ZnO nanowires

Abstract

Gas sensing properties of pure and surface modified ZnO nanowires towards H2S gas have been investigated. The hydrothermally grown ZnO nanowires network has been selectively modified with various sensitizers using RF sputtering to generate a 2×7 sensor array. After fabrication, the sensor array device has been investigated for its gas sensing properties. The optimal temperature for H2S sensing has been observed to be 300°C. The maximum sensor response of S=52 was obtained for Au5.7at% modified ZnO NWs with response and recovery times of 22 sec and 52 min, respectively. Concentration profile at 300°C revealed the same pattern with change in amplitude by changing H2S concentration. The sensor array was able to detect H2S both qualitatively and quantitatively based on the graphical pattern and position of the pattern, respectively.