Fiber optic gas sensor with nanocrystalline ZnO

A fiber optic gas sensor with a PMMA fiber whose clad is modified with chemically sensitive nano-crystalline zinc oxide has been developed and investigated to detect acetone, isopropyl alcohol and benzene gases. The spectral characteristics of the sensor were recorded for different concentrations ranging from (0-500 ppm) for these gases both with as-prepared and annealed nanocrystalline ZnO, and the influence of annealing on the gas sensing has been studied. The response time and recovery time were found to be 48 min. and 42 min. respectively for 500 ppm concentration. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.