Fabrication and investigation of the resistive sensor based on ZnO nanoparticles for ethanol sensing under UV-irradiation at low temperatures

The safety and standard rules of industrial, medical, and research centers have restricted using heat sources for sensing the flammable and toxic gases because of the reduction of the probable risks. Accordingly, in this work, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The resistive gas sensors were fabricated based on the as-prepared ZnO nanoparticles to detect ethanol gas. The results obtained indicated that the performance of the sensors was significantly improved for sensing ethanol. Sensitivity of 40 and 113% to 800 ppm ethanol was obtained under UV irradiation at room temperature and 80 ° C, respectively. The other features of this sensor include short response time, selectivity, and stability, linear calibration curve. Therefore, this sensor could be applied in environments where operating sensors at high temperatures have many challenges due to potential risks.