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Structural, optical and gas sensing properties of Zn-doped CuO nanostructure thin films for benzene gas sensing applications

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Abstract

The effects of Zn-doping on structural and gas sensing properties of CuO thin film prepared by a spray pyrolysis technique were systematically studied. The prepared films were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The XRD pattern reveals that synthesized films have polycrystalline, possessing a monoclinic structure with (002) and (111) preferred orientation. The average crystallite size was decreases from 12 to 9 nm with Zn-doping. The FE-SEM images indicate that the prepared thin films were crack-free exhibiting agglomerated spherical structure. The stoichiometric chemical composition of the films was confirmed by EDS analysis, and it revealed the presence of Cu, Zn, and O elements with the desired atomic weight percentage of the films. UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy showed that films are highly transparent in the NIR region. The optical bandgap of undoped CuO thin films increased with Zn concentration. The response of the CuO to 20 ppm benzene had been enhanced from 48 to 70 by 3% Zn doping. The response and recovery behavior was discussed and the mechanism of the outstanding benzene sensing performance was explained.

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The data supporting this study’s findings are not openly available due to reasons of sensitivity and are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Thin Films and Materials Science Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Dayanand Science College, Latur, 413512, Maharashtra, India

    S. L. Bhise, L. H. Kathwate & V. D. Mote

  2. Nanosensor Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, CMR Technical Campus, Kandlakoya, Medchal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 501401, India

    G. Umadevi & K. G. Krishna

  3. Advanced Materials Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, M.S., 431004, India

    B. N. Dole

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SLB—Synthesis, characterization, analysis, formal writing; LHK—characterization, analysis; GU—analysis, review; VDM—supervision of scientific, editing; final writing; BND—final drafting.

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Bhise, S.L., Kathwate, L.H., Umadevi, G. et al. Structural, optical and gas sensing properties of Zn-doped CuO nanostructure thin films for benzene gas sensing applications. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 35, 66 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-023-11780-1

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