Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Structural Properties and Performance of ZnO/SnO2 Nanostructure of AZO-Based Humidity Sensor

• Published in: NANO HYBRIDS AND COMPOSITES
• Main Authors: Aqilah, Aida Fadhlina; Sin, Nor Diyana Md; Mamat, Mohamad Hafiz; Hussin, Mohamad Zhafran; Abdullah, Mohd Hanapiah; Asli, Noor Asnida
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: TRANS TECH PUBLICATIONS LTD 2024
• Subjects: Science & Technology - Other Topics
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-recordWOS:001364693500007
• ISSN: 2297-3370; 2297-3400
• DOI: 10.4028/p-QlV6Q7

Advanced research in metal oxide-based nanotechnology has led to its wide applications, including in humidity sensors and electronic devices. Whilezinc oxide (ZnO)/tinoxide(SnO2) composite nanostructure has established a presence in many electronic devices, their performance can be further enhanced via electrospraying at high annealing temperatures. Therefore, this paper investigates the effect of annealing temperature on the structural properties and performance of the ZnO/SnO2 nanostructure of AZO-based humidity sensor. Electrospraying was used to fabricate the ZnO/SnO2 nanostructure on AZO glass. Subsequently, the ZnO/SnO2 composite nanostructures were annealed at varying temperatures of 100 degrees C, 200 degrees C, 300 degrees C, 400 degrees C, and 500 degrees C. The structural properties of the synthesized films were characterized using Field-emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), while their humidity sensing performances were assessed based on the sensitivity, response time, and recovery time. According to the findings, a higher annealing temperature resulted in smaller crystallites and smaller diameters within the range of 71.6-91.9 nm. Besides, the XRD patterns demonstrate a shift in the (002) peaks towards a higher angle value with incremental annealing temperature. In terms of the humidity sensing performance, the sensitivity level increased with increasing annealing temperature, while the response time and recovery period were shortened. In short, the annealing temperature significantly influenced the performance of the ZnO/SnO2 composite nanostructures, which recorded the best sensitivity of 173.10, response time of 234 s, and recovery time of 80 s after annealing at 500 degrees C.