Design and Fabrication of Flower-Shaped NiO Nanomaterials for Enhanced Gas Sensing Applications

Abstract

This study presents a straightforward and efficient methodology for augmenting the gas sensing capabilities of Nickel Oxide (NiO)-based sensors, achieved through the fabrication of novel flower-shaped NiO nanomaterials characterized by a distinctive nanoneedle structure. The resulting gas sensors exhibited a remarkable enhancement in performance, showcasing heightened sensitivity, rapid response and recovery rates, and exceptional reproducibility. The superior gas sensing attributes are ascribed to the unique structural features inherent in the flower-like NiO spheres, which contribute to an increased surface area and the optimization of oxygen vacancies (OV) and oxygen complexes (OC). Beyond addressing the imperative for heightened gas sensing in NiO-based sensors, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the growth mechanism underlying the formation of the distinct flower-like structure. This research not only represents a significant advancement in gas sensing technology but also contributes a novel solution for the improvement of air quality monitoring within the confined spaces of car cabins. The findings elucidate the intricate relationship between the morphology of NiO nanomaterials and their gas sensing properties, providing insights that extend beyond conventional approaches. The synthesis and characterization of the flower-shaped NiO nanomaterials were meticulously conducted using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental mapping, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These analyses yielded specific parameters crucial for understanding the gas sensing performance of the fabricated NiO nanomaterials. The research findings not only contribute to the fundamental understanding of NiO-based gas sensors but also hold promise for practical applications in the context of air quality monitoring, particularly within the enclosed environments of vehicular cabins.