Nitric oxide gas sensing at room temperature by functionalized single zinc oxide nanowire

We report on room temperature detection of nitric oxide (NO) gas at low-ppm level by Cr nanoparticle decorated single zinc oxide nanowire (ZNW) sensor. In this sensor device Cr nanoparticles, act as catalyst to transform NO into NO2 and results in change in current value through ZNW, corresponding to NO gas concentration. The sensor exhibits average sensitivity of similar to 46% for 10 ppm of NO gas. The lowest detection limit of the sensor is similar to 1.5 ppm for NO gas. Sensor shows selectivity towards NO gas during a cross-sensitivity test with N-2, CO and CO2 gases. Recovery of the sensor is achieved by ultraviolet light induced desorption of gases from ZNW surface. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.