Surface Activated Hybrid Structured ZnO Films by CuO, Bi2O3 and MnO2 on the Detection of NH3 at Room Temperature
Janhavi S. Patil
Bulk and Nanomaterials Research Lab., Dept. of Physics, R. L. College, Parola, Jalgaon
Dipali R. Patil
Bulk and Nanomaterials Research Lab., Dept. of Physics, R. L. College, Parola, Jalgaon
D. R. Patil
Bulk and Nanomaterials Research Lab., Dept. of Physics, R. L. College, Parola, Jalgaon
1-8
Vol: 16, Issue: 2, 2026
Receiving Date:
2026-02-10
Acceptance Date:
2026-03-20
Publication Date:
2026-04-04
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http://doi.org/10.37648/ijrst.v16i02.001
Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) thick film gas sensors typically require elevated operating temperatures to achieve adequate sensitivity toward ammonia (NH3). In the present work, the effect of CuO, Bi2O3 and MnO2 surface activation on the NH3 sensing performance of ZnO thick films operable at room temperature is systematically investigated. ZnO thick films were fabricated using a conventional screen printing technique. Surface activation was carried out by incorporating trace amounts of CuO, Bi2O3 and MnO2 separately on the surface of the pure ZnO thick films. Structural and morphological characterizations confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the films with enhanced surface roughness and increased density of active sites after activation. Gas sensing studies revealed a remarkable enhancement in NH3 response for the activated ZnO films compared to pristine ZnO at room temperature. The improvement is attributed to synergistic effects of the activators, including catalytic activity, increased oxygen adsorption and modulation of the depletion layer at the ZnO surface. The activated films exhibit crucial response, faster response–recovery characteristics and good repeatability toward NH3 at low concentrations. The proposed Cu–Bi–Mn activated ZnO thick films demonstrate strong potential for the development of low power, room temperature ammonia sensors for environmental monitoring and industrial safety applications.
Keywords:
Hybrid Structured ZnO; NH3 gas sensor; Room temperature, etc.
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