Light irradiation effect on the gas sensing properties of the ZnO nanostructures

Abstract

In this work, we present fabrication of ZnO nanostructures by pulsed laser deposition in air at atmospheric pressure. The use of this technology leads to formation of nanostructures composed by nanoparticles and nanoaggregates. These nanostructures possess a large surface-to-volume ratio, which makes them suitable for gas-sensor application. The samples were exposed to NH3 and the effect was investigated of light irradiation on the gas response and recovery time of the sensor element. It was found that the response of the sensor element increases even by irradiation by sunlight. The gas sensing properties of the ZnO nanostructures were compared when irradiated by light of different wavelengths.