Y-Doped ZnO Nanorods by Hydrothermal Method and Their Acetone Gas Sensitivity

Pure and yttrium‐ (Y‐) doped (1 at%, 3 at%, and 7 at%) ZnO nanorods were synthesized using a hydrothermal process. The crystallography and microstructure of the synthesized samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Comparing with pure ZnO nanorods, Y‐doped ZnO exhibited improved acetone sensing properties. The response of 1 at% Y‐doped ZnO nanorods to 100 ppm acetone is larger than that of pure ZnO nanorods. The response and recovery times of 1 at% Y‐doped ZnO nanorods to 100 ppm acetone are about 30 s and 90 s, respectively. The gas sensor based on Y‐doped ZnO nanorods showed good selectivity to acetone in the interfere gases of ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and methanol. The formation mechanism of the ZnO nanorods was briefly analyzed.