Synthesis and Characterization of Y and Mn -Doped Zno Nanoparticles: Structural, Optical, Morphological, and Gas Sensing Investigations

ZnO and Mn-doped Zn0.92Y0.08-xMnxO (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06) nanoparticles were effectively synthesized using the hydrothermal method, and an exploration of their structural, optical, morphological, and gas sensing characteristics was conducted. Examination through field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a transformation of ZnO nanorods into flower-shaped particles upon the introduction of Mn (x =0.06). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis identified the presence of Zn–O, Y-O, and Mn–O in the nanostructures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of Mn and Y in the doped ZnO materials and Mn is present in different oxidation states depending on composition. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicated a reduction in the intensity of PL bands and a slight shift of emission peaks to lower wavelengths with an increase in Mn concentration. Hydrogen gas sensing analysis demonstrated that doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a higher response compared to pure ZnO nanorods. Notably, among the doped samples, the one containing Mn (x=0.04) exhibited the highest response at 250 °C when exposed to varying concentrations of Hydrogen gas. The enhanced sensing efficiency of the doped ZnO nanostructures was attributed to their smaller particle size and structural modifications.