Synthesis, characterization and humidity sensing properties of Mn0.2Ni0.8Fe2O4 nanoparticles

Mn0.2Ni0.8Fe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by PEG assisted hydrothermal technique. XRD and FT-IR analysis confirmed the composition and structure as spinel ferrite. The average crystallite size was found as 27 nm from the XRD pattern. SEM measurements have revealed that the nanoparticles exhibit large grain structures having regular morphology (polygons) with soft agglomerations. Gas sensing characteristics of the film fabricated by Mn0.2Ni0.8Fe2O4 nanoparticles were investigated for different concentrations of humidity, ethanol, acetone, methanol, toluene and benzene and for oxygen gas. It was found that the sensor is highly sensitive to humidity but weakly sensitive for the other organic volatile compounds and especially for oxygen gas.