Design and Development of ZnO Based Gas Sensor for Fruit Ripening Detection

Abstract

This work focuses on the nondestructive fruit ripeness detection system at different maturity stages. The study involved a computational approach whereby the detector is simulated and characterized. The development of the 2 dimensional finite elements provides deeper understanding in an isotropic media of the sensor. The paper presents a sensitive layer of the zinc oxide with a thickness of 0.5 μm on LiNbO3 piezoelectric substrate for ethylene (C2H4) gas sensing application in order to distinguish maturity level of fruits. In addition the sensor acts as a better device for sensing the amount of ethylene gases that releases from mature fruits.