Development and Characterization of a Novel ZnO nanorods-SnO2: F Nanoflakes Thin film for Room-Temperature Ammonia and Humidity Sensing

A unique and novel thin film of fluorine-doped tin oxide (SnO2:F) nanoflakes on ZnO nanorods were fabricated using nebulized spray pyrolysis technique (NSPT) and hydrothermal growth method, respectively, for ammonia and humidity sensing applications. XRD studies confirm the growth of a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO and a tetragonal SnO2:F. SEM images of the film fabricated for preliminary studies evidently revealed ZnO nanorods and SnO2:F nanoflakes. The response of the fabricated ZnO-SnO2:F nanostructure thin film sensor on varying concentrations of water vapor and ammonia at room temperature were investigated. Results have shown that it had higher sensor response to ammonia than to water vapor. Moreover, it was observed to have a higher sensor response on ammonia and humidity compared to the fabricated sensor of SnO2:F thin film alone. The films could detect humidity and ammonia even at a low level of 9 ppm and 5 ppm, respectively, showing its potential use for various fields such as environmental monitoring and chemical industries.