Electrospun Cu-doped ZnO nanofibers for H2S sensing

Pure and Cu-doped ZnO nanofibers were synthesized via electrospinning technology. The morphology and structure of the as-synthesized nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The effects of Cu doping on H2S sensing properties at low concentration (1-10 ppm) were investigated at 230 degrees C. The results show that the H2S sensing properties of ZnO nanofibers are effectively improved by Cu doping: 6 at%Cu-doped ZnO nanofibers show a maximum sensitivity to H2S gas, and the response to 10 ppm H2S is one order of magnitude higher than the one of pure ZnO nanofibers. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.