Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were synthesized through the hydrothermal method at various conditions growth times (6,7 and 8 hrs.) and a growth temperature (70, 90, and 100 ºC). The prepared ZnO nanostructure samples were described using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer to distinguish their surface morphologies and crystal structures. The ZnO samples were confirmed to have the same crystal type, with different densities and dimensions (diameter and length). The obtained ZnO nanostructures were used to manufacture gas sensors for NO2 gas detection. Sensing characteristics for the fabricated sensor to NO2 gas were examined at different operating temperatures (180, 200, 220, and 240) ºC with a low gas concentration of 2 ppm. Sensor fabricated at (70 ◦C and 6 hrs.) appears higher gas sensitivity (6.319) with shorter response and recovery times of 41.4 s, and 23.4 s respectively at operating temperature 220 ◦C towards NO2 gas efficiently compared with other prepared samples. This study offers cost-effectiveness and a simple method for designing and fabricating gas sensors with good sensing characteristics, making it a favorable candidate for a NO2 gas monitor at low gas concentration.
