AP01017 High-Performance NO2 Gas Sensor Based on ZnO:SnO2 Nanoparticles Prepared by Pulsed-Laser Deposition

Abstract

Thin films of ZnO nanoparticle-doped SnO₂ by 30% and 50% were prepared on glass substrates by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). The structural examinations of the prepared samples showed that the XRD patterns demonstrate a polycrystalline structure, with the grain size decreasing with increasing SnO₂ doping ratio. The elemental composition of ZnO doped with varying SnO₂ doping ratios was determined by EDX analysis, which revealed that the film is composed of Zn, Sn, and O₂, with the ratios varying according to the doping ratio. The optical properties show that the samples are characterized by high absorption in the ultraviolet spectrum, while the band gap values decreased with increasing the ratios of doping of SnO₂ from 3.22 eV to 3.05 eV. The sensor results showed a very high response to NO₂ gas for all ratios and at different temperatures. This response increased with an increase in the doped ratio of SnO₂, reaching 1344.40% at 100°C, with a response time of 20.7 s.