NH3 gas sensing properties of nanocrystalline ZnO based thick films

Zinc acetate derived precursor used in the present sol–gel synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles is described. The reaction product obtained before and after reflux of propanolic zinc acetate solution have been studied by UV–vis, photoluminescence and FT-IR studies which confirm the formation of oligomeric precursor Zn4O(Ac)6 (Ac = CH3COO). The formation of ∼7 nm zinc oxide nanoparticles were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopic studies (TEM). The gaseous ammonia gas sensing characteristics of the nano-zinc oxide sensor showed high sensitivity compared to sensor fabricated with commercial zinc oxide powder.