Tailoring Sensitivity and Selectivity with Nanoparticle-Functionalized ZnO Nanorods: The Impact of Metals on Sensing and Electrical Performance

In this study, metal (copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium)-decorated ZnO nanorods are successfully grown on glass substrates via a hydrothermal synthesis method to test their electrical and gas-sensing properties. SEM images revealed the formation of metal nanoparticles surrounding the ZnO nanorods. To confirm that these structures originated from the metal nanoparticles, EDX analysis was performed, and the presence of metal nanoparticles was validated. XRD analysis indicated that the crystal structure of the ZnO nanorods was hexagonal, and shifts in the (002) plane were observed due to metal nanoparticle doping. ZnO nanorods functionalized with metal nanoparticles were tested at 200 °C against various gases (hydrogen, ethanol, chloroform) and at different gas concentrations. The time-dependent variation in current was observed when ZnO nanorods functionalized with metal elements were exposed to hydrogen gas at test concentrations ranging from 1000 ppm to 5000 ppm at 200 °C. The results demonstrated a clear correlation between the rate of current change and hydrogen concentration, with higher concentrations resulting in faster responses. Additionally, the sensitivity of ZnO nanorods with decorated metal nanoparticles to ethanol and chloroform gases at concentrations ranging from 1000 ppm to 5000 ppm, as well as their sensor responses to different gases at 200 °C, were also measured.