Electrospun ZnO Nanowires as Gas Sensors for propanol Detection

We used an electrospinning method to produce ZnO nanofibers for propanol sensing. ZnO nanofibers were electrospun from a solution containing poly(4-vinyl phenol) (PVP) and zinc acetate. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared ZnO nanofibers have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The calcination process of the ZnO/PVP composite nanofibers brought forth polycrystalline wurtzite ZnO nanofibers with diameters of 50-70 nm. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the prepared product shows the desirable sensing characteristics towards propanol at 400 degrees C. The high sensitivity, reversible response and good selectivity indicated its potential application as a chemical sensor.