Fazia Mechai

Fazia Mechai


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
22 December 2025 in Chemosensors
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FMFazia Mechai
Fazia Mechai
Ahmad Al ShboulAhmad Al Shboul
Ahmad Al Shboul
AAAhmad A. L. Ahmad
Ahmad A. L. Ahmad
HAHossein Anabestani
Hossein Anabestani
Mohsen KetabiMohsen Ketabi
Mohsen Ketabi
RIRicardo Izquierdo-Bernier
Ricardo Izquierdo-Bernier
Efficient synthesis routes for zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) that are rapid and non-toxic and operate at room temperature (RT) are essential to expand accessibility, minimize environmental impact, and enable integration with temperature-sensitive substrates. In this work, ZnO NPs were synthesized by probe ultrasonication at RT for durations from 30 s to 10 min and benchmarked against our previously reported water bath sonication method. A 10-min probe treatment yielded highly uniform ZnO NPs with particle sizes of 60–550 nm and a specific surface area of up to 75 m2 g−1, compared to ~38 m2 g−1 for bath sonication. These features were largely preserved after calcination at 500 °C. When integrated into chemiresistive devices, the resulting ZnO (P(10))-based sensors exhibited pronounced selectivity toward styrene, showing reversible responses at low concentrations (10–50 ppm) and stronger signals at higher levels (up to 200 ppm, with resistance changes reaching 2930%). The sensors demonstrated stable operation across 10–90% relative humidity, and consistent performance from −20 °C to 180 °C. Flexibility tests confirmed reliable sensing after 100 bending cycles at 30°. Overall, RT-probe ultrasonication offers a rapid, scalable, and eco-friendly route to ZnO NPs with tunable properties, opening new opportunities for flexible gas sensing.