The nanosphere decorated needle-like morphology of zinc-substituted aluminate having general formula Zn_xAl₂O₄ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) (ZAN) samples were synthesized by a sol-gel auto-combustion method. The phase formation and stability temperature were confirmed by TG-DTA analysis. XRD study confirmed the formation of a cubic spinel structure of ZAN samples. The effect of Zn-substitution on structural and morphological properties of aluminate were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The D.C. electrical resistivity study of ZAN samples revealed that resistance decreased with increasing temperature confirmed semiconducting nature. Nanosphere existing on micro-needles of zinc-substituted aluminate gas sensor revealed sensing to several analyte gases such as H₂S, Cl₂, CH₃OH, SO₂, and NO₂ working at room temperature to 300 ^°C. The Zn_0·4Al₂O₄ compositional gas sensor produced the highest response at operating temperature 200 ^°C to 100 ppm H₂S. The results revealed that the prepared nanosphere decorated needles of the ZAN sensor was sensitive and selective to H₂S gas.

paper information

Ceramics International Volume 47, Issue 5, 1 March 2021, Pages 6779-6789

Authors: Rina R. Tikare, Rohit R. Powar, Vinayak G. Parale, Hyung-Ho Park, Tukaram J.Shinde, Dhanaji G.Kanase

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2020.11.021