High temperature ZnO nanoparticles sensors

Zinc oxide and has long been thought to be unstable in the presence of water vapour, however recent measurements on ZnO and doped ZnO nanoparticles have demonstrated excellent stability and highly repeatable gas responses to O2 and NO2 at high temperatures in the presence of water vapour, making ZnO an interesting gas sensor material for the motor industry. However, the gas response of ZnO and doped ZnO materials to reducing gases is highly unusual and warrants further investigation.

We require a highly motivated individual who has prior knowledge of testing gas sensors, or a strong interest in the mechanisms and principles of gas sensing to carry out gas testing of ZnO and doped ZnO nanoparticles in varying RH. An investigation of the unusual response to reducing gases by monitoring work function changes in the material with a newly purchased environmental Kelvin probe in order to elucidate the sensor mechanism/mechanisms is also required.

This project will involve mounting and production of gas sensors using many techniques applicable to sensor production and mounting in the sensor industry. The project will also involve data processing and some basic program writing with a basic knowledge of LabVIEW beneficial but not prerequisite.

The group of Professor Lloyd Spetz has many years experience with high temperature gas sensors for the motor industry. This project will by directly supervised by Dr. Pearce.


For more information, please contact:

Dr. Ruth Pearce [email protected] 013287213
Prof. Anita Lloyd Spetz [email protected] 013281710