Fabrication of H2S gas sensors using ZnxCu1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles
Mohammad Abu Haija, Mariem Chamakh, Israa Othman, Fawzi Banat, Ahmad I. Ayesh
Abstract
Abstract Spinel ferrite nanoparticles can be easily retrieved and utilized for multiple cycles due to their magnetic properties. In this work, nanoparticles of a Zn x Cu 1-x Fe 2 O 4 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 H 2 and H 2 S gases, and the Cu-based spinel ferrite nanoparticles were found the most sensitive and selective to H 2 S gas. Their enhanced response to H 2 S gas was attributed to the production of metallic CuFeS 2 that manifest higher electrical conductivity as compared with CuFe 2 O 4 . The fabricated sensors are functional at low temperatures, and consequently, they need low operational power. They are also simple to fabricate with appropriate cost.