Surface morphology dependent TMA sensing response of spray deposited ZnO thin films

•Different nanostructured ZnO thin films were obtained by varying precursor solution using spray pyrolysis method.•Spray deposited ZnO thin films were polycrystalline nature.•Various nanostructures show a good sensing response towards TMA vapors at 30°C.•Nanofibers shows moderate sensing response (33%) with fast response and recovery time of 15s and 14s. ZnO thin films of different surface morphology were prepared using spray pyrolysis technique by varying precursor salt and solvent. The field emission scanning electron micrograph show the presence of nanofibers, nanoparticles, nanorods and nanosponges like structure owing to the change of precursor solution. The sensing response of ZnO films of different morphology towards trimethylamine (TMA) at room temperature (∼30°C) were analyzed and reported. The results portray that the nanofibers have moderate sensing abilities towards TMA vapors and out performs the other nanostructures with its response and recovery time being 15s and 14s respectively.