2019, Salehi, T.

PROJECT TITLE (MSc, 2017-2019): Synthesis and characterization of a hybrid ZnO-rGO gas sensor 

In this study a hybrid zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiber-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) gas sensor was synthesized using electrospinning, followed by a calcination treatment at 600ºC to remove polymer agent, in order to detect acetone gas. The synthesis was carried out with different weight ratios of zinc acetate and GO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology of the fibers before and after calcination. Results showed that the diameter of nanofibers before and after calcination was in the range of 400-650 and 190-480 nm respectively. Results also showed that rGO sheets are very well intermingled with ZnO nanofibers. It appears that that the higher the weight fraction of zinc acetate, the higher sensitivity to acetone can be obtained. The addition of graphene to the ZnO-based sensor is associated with an increase in the sensitivity of the sensor from 2.3 to 4, and a significant decrease in the operating temperature of the sensor from 400 to 200°C.