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Temperature Dependence and Potential of Nebulizer Spray Pyrolysis on Zinc Stannate (ZnSnO3) Thin Films for Ammonia Gas Sensors

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Abstract

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of Zinc stannate (ZnSnO3) thin films using a nebulizer spray pyrolysis technique at different substrate temperatures ranging from 300 to 500 °C. The films were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, ammonia gas sensitivity, electrical conductivity, and optical measurements. The XRD analysis revealed the presence of distinct crystallographic planes and improved crystallinity with increasing deposition temperature. SEM analysis showed a transition from amorphous to nanorod structures with increasing temperature. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of Sn, Zn, and O elements in the films. The electrical resistivity decreased with increasing temperature, indicating semiconducting behavior. The electrical resistivity of the thin films was determined to be 103 Ω-cm. The electrical conductivity increased with temperature, reaching its peak at 500 °C. The films exhibited sensitivity to ammonia, with the highest sensitivity observed at 500 °C. The optical properties showed transmittance peaks and a direct band-to-band transition with increasing substrate temperature. Furthermore, optical transmittance studies revealed a direct transition and an increase in the band gap energy from 3.1 to 3.4 eV as the substrate temperature was raised. Overall, the study demonstrated the potential of ZnSnO3 thin films for sensor applications.

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Availability of Data and Materials

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, P. Usha, upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore-641020, Tamilnadu, India., for providing instrumental facilities. They would also like to acknowledge the support of Adhiyamaan College of Engineering (Autonomous), Hosur, Krishnagiri & Government Engineering College, Bargur, Tamilnadu, India.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Gitam(Deemed to Be University) Hyderabad Campus, Rudraram, Patancheru, 502329, Telangana, India

    P. Usha & Somoju Ramesh

  2. Department of Physics, Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Dundigal, Hyderabad, 500043, Telangana, India

    P. Usha

  3. Department of Physics, Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, 641020, Tamilnadu, India

    P. Jayamurugan

  4. Department of Physics, Adhiyamaan College of Engineering (Autonomous), Hosur, 635109, Tamilnadu, India

    R. Mariappan

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  1. P. Usha
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Contributions

The First draft of the manuscript was written by PU & SR. Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Data curation, Writing—review & editing by SR, PJ & RM.

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Correspondence to Somoju Ramesh.

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Usha, P., Ramesh, S., Jayamurugan, P. et al. Temperature Dependence and Potential of Nebulizer Spray Pyrolysis on Zinc Stannate (ZnSnO3) Thin Films for Ammonia Gas Sensors. Sens Imaging 25, 18 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11220-024-00468-3

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