Fabrication and Characterization of ZnO:CuO Electronic Composites for Their Application in Sensing Processes

Sensing behaviour of samples belonging to the system ZnO:CuO has been investigated. Samples with different proportions of ZnO and CuO have been sintered and exposed to a reducing agent as ethanol (C
₂
H
₅
OH). All the samples have been characterized not only from the point of view of the sensing properties but also regarding morphology, composition, crystallinity and luminescent properties in order to correlate these properties to the sensing behaviour. Sensitivity, response times, recovery and stability have been measured under exposure to ethanol vapour in concentrations 800, 4700 and 16000 ppm. Sensing cycles have been performed at three different temperatures: 25, 50 and 100°C.