Biosynthesised Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Ethanol Chemical Sensor

Abstract

Nanoparticles are considered unique sensing material as they are small and deliver sensitivity as low as parts per billion compared to their bulk counterparts used in the conventional devices. Zinc Oxide (ZnONPs) nanoparticles are considered one of the promising sensing materials due to their high surface-to-volume ratio compared to other conventional sensing materials. They have been found useful for sensing of hydrogen gas, carbon monoxide, ammonia and ethanol. Ethanol sensing forms a platform for monitoring various processes in medical and food industries. Herein, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Spathodea campanulata plant extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were used to fine tuning a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for ethanol sensing. Ethanol sensing capability of the modified GCE electrode was gauged upon its amperometric responses to different ethanol concentrations. The high surface to volume ratio of the nanoparticles greatly enhanced peak currents of the modified electrodes leading to signal towards ethanol detection.