Fabrication of ZnO Nanowires Using Chemical Bath Deposition at Different pH Levels for High Performance Humidity Sensors

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) are promising for humidity sensing due to their high surface area, semiconducting properties, and ease of integration into electronic systems, with applications across fields like healthcare, agriculture, and semiconductor manufacturing. Effective humidity sensors require high sensitivity, fast response, and thermal stability, and Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) offers a scalable method to synthesize ZnO NWs with controlled structural and morphological characteristics. This study investigates the impact of bath solution pH on the structural, morphological, and humidity-sensing properties of ZnO nanowires (NWs). Synthesized on a seed layer via Jet Nebulizer Spray Pyrolysis, ZnO NWs were produced with pH levels ranging from 4 to 10. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy, were employed to analyze the nanowires. The results reveal how pH influences the properties of ZnO NWs, providing critical insights for enhancing their applications in humidity sensing.