Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL, cilt.447, 2026 (SCI-Expanded)
Ammonia (NH3) is considered a promising alternative for sustainable energy storage and transport due to its carbon-free nature. However, at elevated concentrations, NH3 can cause respiratory irritation, eye damage, and environmental harm by contaminating water sources. As a flammable and toxic gas, its detection and control are critical for both human health and ecological safety. In this study, one-dimensional pure and yttrium (Y)-doped ZnO nanorods (1 %, 3 %, 5 %, and 7 %) were synthesized on silicon substrates via the hydrothermal method using two different chemical precursors: acetate and nitrate. These nanostructures were employed as NH3 gas sensors operating at room temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structures with a preferred c-axis orientation, as indicated by dominant (002) peaks. SEM images revealed that Y doping modified the nanorods' aspect ratios, which directly impacted gas sensing performance. Higher aspect ratios enhanced the surface-to-volume ratio and lowered resistance, resulting in improved sensing behavior. Among all sensors, the 3 % Y-doped ZnO nanorods synthesized with acetate precursor exhibited the best performance, showing a maximum sensitivity of 101 % to 50 ppm NH3. This sensor also showed fast dynamics with a response time of 20 s and recovery time of 41 s. Sensitivity was found to increase proportionally with gas concentration. Furthermore, additional characterizations, including detection limit, baseline current, selectivity, long-term stability, and wettability, were carried out to comprehensively evaluate sensor performance. Finally, the role of Y doping in enhancing gas sensing was elucidated, highlighting its dual structural and electronic contributions to the sensing mechanism.