Synthesis and ethanol sensing properties of Al-doped ZnO nanofibers

Undoped and Al-doped ZnO nanofibers were synthesized via a simple electrospinning method, and then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman scattering and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The ethanol sensing properties of the sensor based on the nanofibers were also investigated. The results show that the sensor fabricated from Al-doped ZnO nanofibers exhibits better gas sensing performance than that fabricated from the undoped ZnO nanofibers, and the gas sensing mechanism is discussed.

► Undoped and Al-doped ZnO nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning method.
► Al doping does not change the crystal structures and morphology of ZnO nanofibers.
► The ethanol sensing properties of ZnO nanofibers can be enhanced by Al doping.