Highly Sensitive ZnO Nanorod- and Nanoprism-Based NO2 Gas Sensors: Size and Shape Control Using a Continuous Hydrothermal Pilot Plant

Continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of crystalline ZnO nanorods and prisms is reported via a new pilot-scale continuous hydrothermal reactor (at nominal production rates of up to 1.2 g/h). Different size and shape particles of ZnO (wurtsite structure) were obtained via altering reaction conditions such as the concentration of either additive H2O2 or metal salt. Selected ZnO samples (used as prepared) were evaluated as solid oxide gas sensors, showing excellent sensitivity toward NO2 gas. It was found that both the working temperature and gas concentration significantly affected the NO2 gas response at concentrations as low as 1 ppm.