Needle flower-like ZnO-based chemiresistive sensor for efficient detection of formaldehyde vapors

Abstract

The development of a chemiresistive sensor that uses needle-flower-like ZnO to effectively detect formaldehyde vapors is highlighted in the paper. The hydrothermal process at low temperature was used to prepare the sensing material. The morphological and structural characteristics of the synthesized material were assessed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Using a micropipette, the sensing material was transferred to the surface of the gold-based interdigitated electrodes to fabricate the device. The fabricated sensor was found to be more selective and sensitive to formaldehyde in the sensing study. The results showed an approximate response of 8 at 250 °C and 75 ppm formaldehyde. The lowest detection limit of the sensor was calculated as 480 ppb. The sensor has a great potential to monitor formaldehyde vapors in the indoor environment.