Synthesis of Nanostructured ZrO₂ for Gas Sensing Application

Abstract

Abstract-Nanocrystalline ZrO 2 (Zirconia) has been synthesized by a conventional precipitation method.The structural, morphological, microstructural, optical and gas-sensing properties of ZrO 2 were investigated by using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis spectroscopy and static gas sensing unit, respectively. X-ray diffraction pattern and TEM of the synthesized product reveal their nano-crystalline nature with grain size 18 nm and 20 nm, respectively. Gas sensing properties of their thick films, which were fabricated by screen-printing to various gases (O 2 , NO 2 , C 2 H 5 OH, CO, CO 2 , NH 3 , LPG, H 2 S and H 2 ) were tested in ambient air. The ZrO 2 thick films showed a high response and selectivity to H 2 S gas. The effect of operating temperature, gas concentration on the sensing characteristics of these films towards H 2 S was discussed..

On the Growth of Thin Anodic Oxides Showing Interference Colors on Valve Metals

“…ZrO 2 coatings are commonly employed to further reduce corrosion rate, and especially in the production of biomedical implants the ASD process can be applied to produce crystalline films with tunable composition [14]. On the other hand, its oxide exhibits peculiar functional properties, including high dielectric constant, luminescence and the possibility to obtain ionic conductivity -and related gas-sensing ability and suitability as solid electrolyte: therefore, ZrO 2 films gained interest in the production of optical and electronic devices [49][50][51][52][53]. Common electrolytes used in zirconium anodizing process are sulfate-based ones (H 2 SO 4 , Na 2 SO 4 , K 2 SO 4 ), borate based ones (ammonium borate), carbonate based ones, caustic solutions (NaOH, KOH).…”