ZnO sensors modified with Mn3O4 or In2O3 obtained by combining the ultrasonic spray and hydrothermal microwave assisted methods

• Grant number: 19/12345-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): April 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Diogo Paschoalini Volanti
• Grantee: Taís Nascimento Teixeira Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/01258-5 - Novel chemical catalytic and photocatalytic processes for the direct conversion of methane and CO2 to products, AP.TEM

Abstract

The advancement in science and technology of volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors is important for the sustainable development of functional materials. Therefore, there is a need to improve the sensitivity, response time and lifetime of the sensors. In this sense, the research project refers to the evaluation of the synergistic effect of the modification of zinc oxide (ZnO) based sensors with Mn3O4 or In2O3, to improve sensor performance. It will consist of syntheses: (i) synthesis of pure ZnO structures, and (ii) synthesis of ZnO/Mn3O4 or ZnO/In2O3 heterostructures with different proportions of Mn (II) or In (III) salts. Both syntheses will be performed by the microwave assisted hydrothermal method in conjunction with the ultrasonic spray. It is expected to improve the performance of the sensors by means of the heterojunctions accomplish: n-n junction of ZnO with In2O3 and n-p junction of ZnO with Mn3O4. All the materials synthesized will be characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, surface area measurements and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, the sensory responses of the pure ZnO samples and the samples containing the heterostructures will be evaluated in the presence of different concentrations (in the ppm range) of VOCs (example: acetone, acetaldehyde, ethanol, methanol, benzene, xylene and toluene), and after this evaluation, the results will be compared in order to be able to identify the sensor with the best performance. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

OLIVEIRA, TAIS N. T.; PERFECTO, TARCISIO M.; ZITO, CECILIA A.; VOLANTI, DIOGO P.. Improved triethylamine sensing properties by designing an In2O3/ ZnO heterojunction. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS REPORTS, v. 3, NOV 2021. (16/25267-8, 18/00033-0, 18/01258-5, 19/12345-9, 20/06421-1, 17/01267-1)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

OLIVEIRA, Taís Nascimento Teixeira. ZnO sensor modified with In2O3 obtained by the combination of the ultrasonic spray nozzle and hydrothermal assisted by microwave methods for detection of volatile organic compounds. 2021. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas. São José do Rio Preto São José do Rio Preto.