Zinc Oxide Modified Carbon Nanotubes Prepared Utilizing Solution Gelation Process: Characterization and Sensing Application

Abstract

A hybrid material of zinc oxide and carbon nanotubes have been synthesized via a sol-gel process using zinc acetate dehydrate and acid modified multiple-wall carbon nanotubes. Very fine nanoparticles were achieved as color of solution and SEM images indicated. Thin films were deposited utilizing spray pyrolysis technique onto glass substrate as well as indium tin oxide coated glass to perform sandwich device structure. Samples were heated at different annealing temperatures and only samples heated with 500 oC have shown reasonable results. The optical energy gap has been investigated using UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy and Tauc calculations. Temperature dependence conductivity has been investigated in the range of 20 to 200 oC. NO2 gas interaction with the samples was studied using homemade chamber.