Fabrication of H₂S gas sensors using Zn_xCu_1-xFe₂O₄ nanoparticles

Spinel ferrite nanoparticles can be easily retrieved and utilized for multiple cycles due to their magnetic properties. In this work, nanoparticles of a  Zn_xCu_1-xFe₂O₄  composition were synthesized by employing a sol–gel auto-combustion technique. The morphology, composition, and crystal structure were examined using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The produced nanoparticles are in the range of 30–70 nm and manifest spinel cubic structure. The nanoparticles were tested for their sensitivity to H₂ and H₂S gases, and the Cu-based spinel ferrite nanoparticles were found the most sensitive and selective to H₂S gas. Their enhanced response to H₂S gas was attributed to the production of metallic CuFeS₂ that manifest higher electrical conductivity as compared with CuFe₂O₄. The fabricated sensors are functional at low temperatures, and consequently, they need low operational power. They are also simple to fabricate with appropriate cost.

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Published in: Applied Physics A
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
See article on publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00339-020-03661-9