Synthesis of flower-like Al doped ZnO microstructures by hydrothermal process and analysis of their gas sensing properties

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) powders with flower-like microstructures were successfully synthesized through a simple and efficient hydrothermal approach, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy diffraction spectrum (EDS). All the samples presented high crystallinity with a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The heater gas sensors based on AZO were fabricated and investigation of gas sensing properties was conducted. The sensors showed high response values and reproducible response-recovery for 50–1800 ppm ethanol at 332°C, comparing with NH3, SO2, CO, and HCHO. The underlying mechanism was discussed.