Structure and Characteristics of Electrospun ZnO Nanofibers for Gas Sensing

Background:: A sensing material of zinc oxide (ZnO) was investigated for its use in the electrospun nanofibers for gas sensing. The metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor response is caused by the oxygen that undergoes a chemical reaction on the surface of an oxide, resulting in a change in the measured resistance. Objective:: One-dimensional nanofibers gas sensor have high sensitivity and diverse selectivity. Methods:: One-dimensional nanofiber by an electrospinning method was collected and a sensing membrane was formed. In addition, the gas sensing mechanism was discussed and verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results:: The ZnO nanofiber membrane had an optimum crystalline phase with a lattice spacing of 0.245 nm and a non-woven fabric structure at a calcination temperature of 500°C, whereas the nanofiber diameter and membrane thickness were about 100 nm and 8 μm, respectively. At an operating temperature of 200°C, the sensing material exhibited good recovery and reproducibility in response to Carbon monoxide (CO), and the concentration was also highly discernible. In addition, the reduction in the peak of OIII at 531.5 to 532.5 eV according to the analysis of XPS was consistent with the description of the sensing mechanism. Conclusion:: The gas sensor of ZnO nanofiber membranes has high sensitivity and diverse selectivity, which can be widely applied in potential applications in various sensors and devices.