Spray deposited nanostructured ZnO:Mn thin films for ammonia vapour sensing application

The performance of ammonium vapour sensors (pure and doping with Mn ions into the ZnO films) were fabricated via simple Spray deposited technique is reported along with its phase identification, topographical and bandgap properties. Phase identification and crystallinity of the samples have been examined using XRD technique. From the results, it is found that ZnO:Mn(0.002) thin film have better crystallinity and fewer defect. AFM images depict the closely packed spherical structures with increasing surface roughness of ZnO thin films with Mn content. Uv–Vis spectral results show a clear downshift in bandgap from 3.39 eV to 3.10 eV upon infusing Mn ions. The sensitivity characteristics too proves to be better for this selected composition than compared to pristine and other Mn doped ZnO films.