Synthesis and characterizations of Zinc oxide nanoparticles and its ability to detect O2 and NH3 gases

Abstract

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesised using royal jelly. The prepared NPs were characterised through transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The size of the ZnONPs was 31.75 nm. The produced ZnONPs were evaluated as gas sensors for O2 and NH3 gases at various temperatures and time intervals. The highest sensitivity response to O2 (i.e. 11.1 %) was recorded at 100 °C. The highest sensitivity response to NH3 (i.e. 12 %) was observed at 25 °C. The sensor exhibited the shortest response and recovery times at different temperatures for O2 and NH3 gases, respectively. At 100 °C, the response time for O2 gas was 18 s, and the recovery time was 23 s. For NH3 gas, the response time was 25 s at 100 °C, and the recovery time was 22 s at 25 °C. These findings demonstrate the unique response and recovery features of the sensor.