WADUMESTHREE

Properties and gas sensing performances of low dimensional metal oxides nanostructures

The development of sensitive and selective gas sensors is crucial for monitoring air quality and ensuring workplace safety. Metal oxide nanostructures have emerged as promising materials for gas sensing applications due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, unique electronic properties, and easy functionalization. In this research project, it is aimed to synthesize and characterize various metal oxide nanostructures, such as Co3O4, ZnO, and TiO2, and explore their potential for gas sensing. Specifically, investigations on the effect of theire morphology, composites and funtionalization on gas sensing performance will be performed. The gas sensing properties of the metal oxide nanostructures will be evaluated for various target gases, such as H2, CO, NH3, and VOCs using a custom-built gas sensing setup. The results of this research project will contribute to the development of novel metal oxide-based gas sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity, paving the way for real-world applications in environmental monitoring and industrial safety.

ADVISOR(S):

  • Primary: Elisabetta Comini

RESEARCH:

CONTACTS:

Short Bio

In 2007, he earned a Diploma in Information and Technology from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Physics, Pure Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka in 2009. In 2013, he obtained his Master’s degree in Physics of Materials from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, with a thesis on the growth of CuO thin films for potential PV applications. In 2018, he earned his PhD in Physics from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, with a thesis on the study of modified chemical bath deposited CdS thin films as solar cell window materials. He served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus from June 2019 to December 2019 and as a Lecturer at the Department of Science and Technology, Uva Wellsassa University of Sri Lanka from February 2018 to June 2019. Additionally, he was a Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Disability, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka from 2010 to 2016. He is currently pursuing his second PhD in Physical Sciences for Engineering at SENSOR Laboratory, Brescia, with a focus on researching Nanostructured Magnetic Materials for Gas Sensors Applications under the guidance of Prof. Elisabetta Comin. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed international journal articles and 40 conference abstracts with the goal of becoming a leading expert in Nano Science and Semiconductors in his country and the region.