Optimization of sensing performance factor (γ) based on microfiber-coupled ZnO nanorods humidity scheme

• Main Authors: Jali, Mohd Hafiz, Abdul Rahim, Hazli Rafis, Mohd Yusof, Haziezol Helmi, Md Johari, Md Ashadi, Thokchom, Siddharth, Harun, Sulaiman Wadi, Yasin, Moh
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier 2019
• Subjects: TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/24117/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yofte.2019.101983

An optimization method of the proposed humidity sensing scheme comprises of silica microfiber laid on a glass surface coated with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanorods is reported. The silica microfibers were tapered into several waist diameters of 6 µm, 8 µm, 10 µm and 12 µm using flame brushing technique, while the glass surface was coated with ZnO nanorods using hydrothermal method for 6 h, 9 h, 12 h, 15 h and 18 h of growth time. The samples were exposed to the different humidity level ranging from 35%RH to 85%RH to observe several performance parameters such as scattering coefficient (α), sensing performance factor γ, output light intensity and ultimately the sensitivity. 12-h growth sample exhibited the optimum results in term of α,γ, output light intensity and sensitivity towards the %RH level. The sensitivity improved by a factor of 1.3 as compared to the closest best sample. Besides that, it was found that 6 µm waist diameter microfiber sample produced optimum result in term α, γ and sensitivity towards the %RH level. The sensitivity improved by a factor of 1.1 as compared to the closest best sample. The work provided the best optimization method for microfiber and ZnO nanorods samples for the proposed humidity sensing scheme. It utilized the distinctive features of the scattering and surface absorption capability of the microfiber and ZnO nanomaterials coated glass surface to couple with the surrounding water molecules for humidity sensing. © 2019 Elsevier Inc.