Ni-doped ZnO nanorods gas sensor: Enhanced gas-sensing properties, AC and DC electrical behaviors

Ni-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods had been successfully fabricated via a fast microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis at 150 °C. The morphology and composition were carefully characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electronic microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Gas-sensing testing results demonstrated that Ni-doped ZnO nanorods had enhanced gas-sensing performance. Furthermore, AC impedance spectroscopy and DC current-voltage curves were observed to investigate the gas-sensing mechanism. Current-voltage curves are approximately close to a linear function, indicating the potential barriers formed at the electron-depleted surface layer occupy a dominant when carriers transport in the gas sensor, and AC impedance spectra indicates the potential barriers height of the electron-depleted surface layer.