Comprehensive characterization will establish material–function relationships in ZnO TNs. Electron microscopy, XPS, photoluminescence, and electrical measurements will quantify structural/electronic properties; AFM and XRD will resolve nanoscale morphology and crystallinity. These insights will guide tuning of functionalization and self-assembly for in-sensor preprocessing (stability, multi-level states, latency/energy drivers). In parallel, an ISO 14040/44–aligned LCA will assess sustainability from synthesis and functionalization to device integration. Using a defined functional unit (e.g., one in-sensor preprocessor delivering a fixed inference budget) and cradle-to-gate boundaries with gate-to-grave scenarios, modelling will quantify energy demand, GWP (CO₂e), water use, and solvent/VOC intensity. Scenario analysis (process temperature, yields, solvent choices) will inform process optimization. Partner collaboration ensures robust primary data and consistent methods for a comprehensive, decision-oriented environmental evaluation.
