Development of Resistance-Based pH Sensor Using Zinc Oxide Nanorods

The resistance-based pH sensing capability of ZnO nanorods was presented in this study. Interdigitated finger structures of nickel/gold (Ni/Au) electrodes were fabricated on the substrates prior to the sensing material. The effect of varying electrode widths was also considered. Zinc oxide (ZnO) film, as seed layer, was deposited via spray pyrolysis, and zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-NRs) were grown via low temperature chemical bath deposition. Resistance measurements have shown plausible difference in varying pH of a test solution. The sensor was found reasonably more appreciable in sensing acidic solutions. The electrode widths were also found to relay substantial consequence in the resistance-based sensor. The least electrode-width design has shown a significant increase in the sensitivity of the sensor, with higher initial resistance and greater range of response.