Temperature Dependence and Potential of Nebulizer Spray Pyrolysis on Zinc Stannate (ZnSnO3) Thin Films for Ammonia Gas Sensors

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of Zinc stannate (ZnSnO3) thin films using a nebulizer spray pyrolysis technique at different substrate temperatures ranging from 300 to 500  °C. The films were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, ammonia gas sensitivity, electrical conductivity, and optical measurements. The XRD analysis revealed the presence of distinct crystallographic planes and improved crystallinity wi th increasing deposition temperature. SEM analysis showed a transition from amorphous to nanorod structures with increasing temperature. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of Sn, Zn, and O elements in the films. The electrical resistivity decreased with increasing temperature, indicating semiconduc ting behavior. The electrical resistivity of the thin films was determined to be 103 Ω-cm. The electrical conductivity increased with temperature, reaching its peak at 500 °C. The films exhibited sensitivity to ammonia, with the highest sensitivity observed at 500 °C. The optical properties sho wed transmittance peaks and a direct band-to-band transition with increasing substrate temperature. Furthermore, optical transmittance studies revealed a direct transition and an increase in the band gap energy from 3.1 to 3.4 eV as the substrate temperature was raised. Overall, the study demonstra ted the potential of ZnSnO3 thin films for sensor applications.
Source: Sensing and Imaging - Category: Biomedical Engineering Source Type: research