Effect of sintering temperature on the structural, morphological and humidity sensing properties of ZnO nanostructure

Abstract

ZnO metal oxide powder was prepared using co-precipitation method and the effect of sintering temperature was studied. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) technique has been used to investigate the crystal structure and phase analysis. The wurtzite hexagonal crystal structure of the ZnO powder has been clearly seen in the PXRD pattern. Using the Scherer’s formula, the average crystallite size of ZnO powder was determined to be between 27 and 37 nm. The surface has grown spherical nanoparticles with size varying from ~100 nm to ~200 nm, as shown in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photograph.