Rapid microwave assisted synthesis of Zn1−xInxO heterostructured nanotetrapods and their hydrogen sensing properties. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faiz, M.; Qurashi, Ahsanulhaq; Tabet, N.
• Is Part Of: Vacuum. Volume 130(2016)
• Page Start: 159
• Page End: 164
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Zn1−xInxO -- XPS analysis -- Microwave synthesis -- Nanotetrapods -- H2 gas sensor; Vacuum -- Periodicals; 621.55
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2016.05.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-207X

Abstract

Abstract: Zn1−x Inx O nanostructures have been synthesized in large quantity by a microwave-assisted evaporation method. A mixture of high purity zinc and indium metal flakes evaporated under ambient air using a microwave absorber placed in a conventional microwave oven. This is single step, fast and very effective method to produce large quantity (grams) of Zn1−x Inx O nanotetrapods. The synthesized nanotetrapods powder was characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The observations and analyses confirmed the formation of high aspect-ratio nanotetrapods and the incorporation of In into the ZnO creating heterostructure. Hydrogen gas sensor made from the nanotetrapods Zn1−x Inx O showed reversible response and recovery. The results are consistent with a sensing mechanism controlled by the presence of a space charge region at the surface of the sensor. Highlights: Facile ultrafast microwave assisted synthesis of Zn1−x Inx O nanostructures and their hydrogen sensing are presented. This method produces grams of quantities of Zn1−x Inx O nanotetrapods in less than 100 s. Present method is simple straightforward and practical approach for synthesis of many other metal oxide nanostructures.