Synthesis and Sensing Characterization of ZnO Nanofibers Prepared by Electrospinning

In the present work nanofibers has been prepared by electrospinning method. Zinc Oxide nanofibrous thin film were electrospun on ITO substrate from a solution containing Poly Ethylene Oxide (PEO) and Zn(CH3COO)2.2H2O. Calcination process of ZnO/PEO composite at 600oC forms a random network of poly crystalline ZnO nanofiber. Surface morphology of the electrospun ZnO thin film, studied using FE-SEM shows a uniform, continous parallel aligned sharp nanofibers. The crystal structure and orientation of ZnO thin film was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Gas sensing characteristics were studied on a custom made chamber based on two probe resistance measurement method. The film shows a good sensitivity towards organic vapours such as methanol, ethanol, acetone and propanol.