Electrospun ZnO Nanowires as Gas Sensors for Propanol Detection

Abstract

We used an electrospinning method to produce ZnO nanofibers for propanol sensing. ZnO nanofibers were electrospun from a solution containing poly(4-vinyl phenol) (PVP) and zinc acetate. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared ZnO nanofibers have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The calcination process of the ZnO/PVP composite nanofibers brought forth polycrystalline würtzite ZnO nanofibers with diameters of 50-70 nm. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the prepared product shows the desirable sensing characteristics towards propanol at 400°C. The high sensitivity, reversible response and good selectivity indicated its potential application as a chemical sensor.