Synthesis, Characterization and Sensing Properties of AZO and IZO Nanomaterials

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) and In-doped ZnO (IZO) nanopowders were prepared by a sol-gel route and subsequent drying in ethanol under supercritical conditions. The morphological and microstructural properties were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The characterization study showed that the AZO and IZO nanoparticles were crystalline and exhibited the hexagonal wurtzite structure. Chemoresistive devices consisting of a thick layer of synthesized nanoparticles on interdigitated alumina substrates have been fabricated and their electrical and sensing characteristics were investigated. The sensor performances of the AZO and IZO nanoparticles for carbon monoxide (CO) were reported. The results indicated that both doped-sensors exhibited higher response and quick response/recovery dynamics compared to a ZnO-based sensor. These interesting sensing properties were discussed on the basis of the characterization data reported.