Ammonia sensors based on metal oxide nanostructures

Abstract

Ammonia sensing characteristics of nanoparticles as well as nanorods of ZnO, In2O3 and SnO2 have been investigated over a wide range of concentrations ( 1-800 ppm) and temperatures ( 100-300 degrees C). The best values of sensitivity are found with ZnO nanoparticles and SnO2 nanostructures. Considering all the characteristics, the SnO2 nanostructures appear to be good candidates for sensing ammonia, with sensitivities of 222 and 19 at 300 degrees C and 100 degrees C respectively for 800 ppm of NH3. The recovery and response times are respectively in the ranges 12-68 s and 22-120 s. The effect of humidity on the performance of the sensors is not marked up to 60% at 300 degrees C. With the oxide sensors reported here no interference for NH3 is found from H-2, CO, nitrogen oxides, H2S and SO2.