Hig-sensitivity Detection of H2S by ZnO Nanowires

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Herr, since 6/2020
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 398819137

Very sensitive sensors for hydrogen sulphide (H2S) can be realized based on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires. H2S becomes more and more important in medical diagnosis of lung and other diseases, and also in therapy. After preliminary experiments which have already shown the required sensitivity down to the 50 ppb range, we want to improve and understand the selectivity, stability and reproducibility of such sensors in this project. For this purpose, we have to look in detail into the technology for the growth of pillars, the deposition of nanoparticles on their surface for improved sensitivity, possibilities to ensure selectivity by cross-correlation of the signal of differently prepared arrays of sensors, how to settle reproducible starting conditions for the measurement process, and how to accelerate it. In a series of experiments in an ambient with different mixtures of typical gas-es present in air and also at different temperatures we want to deepen the understanding of the processes going on at and below the surface of the ZnO nanowires. The overall aim is the preparation of simple and reliable sensors for this ambitious diagnosis task.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Klaus Dieter Thonke, until 5/2020