Abstract: Ammonia is a common gaseous contaminants in industrial and agricultural production. The demand for ammonia detection in the market is rapidly increased with the development of the economy. Based on the excellent optical and gas-sensing properties of ZnO, ZnO based materials have been employed the candidate for ammonia gas sensors which has been a research hotspot. Reference material may play a vital role in the process of ammonia gas detection. The reference gas mixture composed of ammonia, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and other reference materials can simulate the response of ammonia in the air on the portable ammonia sensor to ensure the accuracy of the developed ammonia sensor. The portable ammonia gas sensor can be verified and calibrated using reference materials, which may ensure the operating stability and reliability of the ammonia sensor.