LAUSR

The ozone sensing characteristics of the reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite has been investigated at the room temperature. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the nanocomposites were analyzed by various analytical techniques. The intensity of the diffraction peaks of graphene increases and that of ZnO decreases after ozone exposure. The FESEM and HR-TEM images illustrate the decoration of ZnO nanoparticles on the rGO sheets. The UV–Vis absorption spectra of rGO/ZnO nanocomposite film before and after ozone exposure reveals that the intensity of absorption peak of rGO increases and that of ZnO decreases after the exposure of ozone gas. The UV–Vis, FTIR, and Raman analysis confirms that the interaction of ozone gas molecules on the nanocomposite film surface causes the variation in the optical and structural properties. Further, the I–V measurement revealed a consistent sensitivity characteristics at various level of ozone concentrations. Based on the experimental results, the ozone sensing mechanism in the nanocomposite film has been discussed. As a result, the rGO/ZnO nanocomposite material can be effectively used as a sensing material for the real-time detection of ozone gas molecules.