Dielectric and ethanol sensing studies on synthesized nano-ZSM-5 zeolite

Nano-sized ZSM-5 zeolite crystals are synthesized without organic template using microwave assisted hydrothermal technique. The synthesized zeolite is then characterized by various techniques like X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis. X-ray diffraction profile confirms that the synthesized zeolite structure is of ZSM-5 and grain size of synthesized zeolites is found to be about 30 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows the presence of T–O–T link of zeolite structure. The thermal stability of ZSM-5 is studied by using simultaneous thermo gravimetric analyzer. Screen printed thick films are prepared using the synthesized nano-ZSM-5 zeolite as a functional material. Atomic force microscopy reveals the topography of thick film. Study on ethanol sensing characteristics of zeolite thick films has shown that the film can be used as an ethanol sensor at an operating temperature of 135 °C with a quick response of 150 s. Saturation limit for the film is observed to be very low. (author)