A multifunctional ZnO thin film based devices for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of terephthalic acid and CO2 gas sensing applications

A hexagonal ZnO thin films have been successfully synthesized by chemical spray pyrolysis technique. Photoelectrocatalytic activity of ZnO photoelectrode is tested for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of terephthalic acid as a model organic pollutant. The degradation percentage of terephthalic acid using ZnO photoelectrode has reached up to 91% under ultraviolet illumination after 400 min. ZnO thin films are used for detecting CO2 gas and getting maximum response for operating temperature of 350 degrees C and response and recovery time periods are 75 and 108 s, respectively for 400 ppm CO2 gas concentration. ZnO sensor has good repeatability along with a quick response time. Thus a multifunctional ZnO thin film is the potential candidate for both for photocatalytic and CO2 gas sensing applications.