Light-assisted gas identification using ZnO semiconductor sensors

This study investigates the photoresponsive and gas- sensing properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films synthesized via the sol-gel method. A theoretical model is proposed to explain interband charge carrier generation under illumination and subsequent recombination through localized states induced by oxygen adsorption. Experiments reveal that UV irradiation significantly modulates the conductivity and dynamic response of ZnO-based sensors. These results demonstrate the potential of light-activated ZnO sensors for energy-efficient gas detection, with applications in environmental monitoring, industrial safety systems, and medical diagnostics.