A ZnO Gas Sensor with an Abnormal Response to Hydrogen

Abstract

ZnO is a commonly used material for hydrogen gas sensors. In this study, a ZnO nanofiber film with a diameter of approximately 60 nm was synthesized by the electrospinning method. Compared to previously reported ZnO hydrogen gas sensors, an abnormal phenomenon was observed here, where the resistance of the ZnO nanofiber film increased upon exposure to hydrogen gas in the temperature range from 210 °C to 330 °C. The physical mechanism of this phenomenon was explored through microstructure analysis and DFT simulation calculations that showed a total charge transfer of 0.65 e for the hydrogen molecule. This study can push forward the understanding of ZnO hydrogen sensing.