Electrophoretic deposition of ZnO thin film in aqueous media

Abstract

In thin films, controlled porous structures are desired for certain ceramic gas sensors. The aim of this study was to fabricate ZnO coated substrates starting with aqueous suspensions with electrophoretic deposition technique. Sub-micron sized ZnO particles were synthesized by using homogenous precipitation method. A 5 wt% ZnO aqueous suspension prepared for Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) and an anionic dispersant was used as stabilizer. Electroded surface of the alumina substrates were coated with EPD technique at various voltages. Coated samples were sintered at 1200degreesC for two hours. Characteristics of the sintered ZnO coated substrates were investigated with SEM and XRD techniques.