Dip coated nanostructured ZnO thin film: Synthesis and application

The preparation and characterization of highly selective room temperature ammonia sensorusing nanostructured dip coated ZnO thin films were discused. A highly viscous precursor solution was prepared using Zinc Nitrate hexahydrate as a starting material and Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose as a thickening agent. Morphology and structure of the annealed films were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray Diffractometer characterization techniques. The presence of zinc and oxygen in the sample was confirmed with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy The gas sensing behavior of ZnO thin films was studied at room temperature. It exhibited very high selectivity and excellent sensing towards ammonia gas. Further, sensing behavior towards other gases like ethanol and formaldehyde and the various concentrations of NH3 were studied.