Co3O4/ZnO nanocomposites: From plasma synthesis to gas sensing applications

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • D. Bekermann - , University of Padua (Author)
  • A. Gasparotto - , University of Padua (Author)
  • D. Barreca - , University of Padua (Author)
  • C. Maccato - , University of Padua (Author)
  • E. Comini - , University of Brescia (Author)
  • C. Sada - , University of Padua (Author)
  • G. Sberveglieri - , University of Brescia (Author)
  • A. Devi - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • R. A. Fischer - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)

Abstract

Herein, we describe the design, fabrication and gas sensing tests of p-Co 3O 4/n-ZnO nanocomposites. Specifically, arrays of 〈001〉 oriented ZnO nanoparticles were grown on alumina substrates by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and used as templates for the subsequent PECVD of Co 3O 4 nanograins. Structural, morphological and compositional analyses evidenced the successful formation of pure and high-area nanocomposites with a tailored overdispersion of Co 3O 4 particles on ZnO and an intimate contact between the two oxides. Preliminary functional tests for the detection of flammable/toxic analytes (CH 3COCH 3, CH 3CH 2OH, NO 2) indicated promising sensing responses and the possibility of discriminating between reducing and oxidizing species as a function of the operating temperature.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)928-934
Number of pages7
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume4
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 22 Feb 2012
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Co O /ZnO, gas sensors, nanocomposites, plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition