Platinum Nanoparticle-Decorated ZnO Nanorods Improved the Performance of Methanol Gas Sensor

In this study, the crystallinities, structures, and optical properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) and platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs)-decorated ZnO nanorods (Pt/ZnO NRs) were investigated by an X-ray diffraction, a field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and a photoluminescence spectrometry. The Pt NPs-decorated ZnO NRs were prepared by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering for 0 and 30 s. The ZnO and Pt/ZnO NR-based gas sensors are consistent, stable, and repeatable. The sensitivities of the ZnO and Pt/ZnO NR sensors were 1.34% and 121.03%, respectively, at a concentration of 1000 ppm methanol gas and at an operating temperature of 270 °C. The Pt NPs-decorated ZnO NRs exhibit enhanced sensor characteristics of methanol gas.