Experimental Study of Parametric Dependency of ZnO Nanorods-based Vibration Sensor

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods were grown on rigid substrate (fluorine doped tin oxide, FTO) with different molar concentrations (0.025, 0.075 and 0.125 M) using a low-temperature hydrothermal process. The XRD analysis revealed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structured ZnO nanorods with (002) plane c-axis orientation of the samples. Morphological analysis by the FESEM method confirmed the formation of ZnO nanorods with hexagonal top surfaces. The electrical properties of the fabricated devices were identified using photoconductivity and impedance studies. Less internal resistance of 1.12 kΩ, turn on the voltage of 0.46 V for 0.075 M sample depicted better piezoelectric property. At 9 Hz resonant frequency, a maximum voltage of 2.13 V and for 1 g acceleration input, the output voltage obtained was 2.49 V for 0.075 M sample which is better than the other two precursors molar concentration varied samples (0.025 and 0.125 M). The sensitivity of this sample was found to be ∼3.05 V/g.

KEYWORDS:

• Hydrothermal process
• Nanorods
• Precursor
• Sensor
• Vibration
• ZnO

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gunasekaran Iyappan

G Iyappan is a research scholar pursuing his PhD at Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering. He obtained his undergraduation (BE) in electronics and communication engineering from CSI College of Engineering, Ooty, India. He then pursued his post-graduation (MTech) in nanoscience and Technology at Anna University Regional Centre, Coimbatore, India. His areas of interest include crystal growth for NLO applications, synthesis of nanostructures for piezoelectric applications.

Rajamanickam Govindaraj

R Govindaraj has been an assistant professor in the Physics Department at Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, India since 2018. He obtained his undergraduation (BSc Physics) and post-graduation (MSc Physics) from Periyar University, Salem, India. He obtained his PhD from Anna University, India in 2018. His areas of interest include solar cells, nanomaterials and crystal growth. Email: [email protected]

Perumalsamy Ramasamy

P Ramasamy, dean (Research), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai. He obtained PhD from the University of Madras in 1976 and received Governor – Chancellor Gold medal for the best PhD thesis in that year. He was a faculty member at Anna University, India from 1973 to 2003, founder director of Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University, India and Vice-Chancellor of Alagappa University, India from 1994 to 97. Email: [email protected]

Ramany Kiruthika

R Kiruthika is a research scholar pursuing her PhD in electronics and communication engineering at Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering. She graduated (BTech) in electronics and communication engineering from RGCET, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India. She then post-graduated (ME) in VLSI design from Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, India. Her interests and current area of research include ZnO-based gas sensors, nanogenerators and accelerometers. Email: [email protected]

Shankararajan Radha

S Radha, professor and head, Department of ECE, has 28 years of teaching and 20 years of research experience in the area of wireless networks. She graduated from Madurai Kamaraj University, in electronics and communication engineering in 1989. She obtained her master's degree in applied electronics with First Rank from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore and a PhD degree from College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai. Email: [email protected]