Sensing properties of chemically synthesized pristine and Pt-impregnated nanosized FeNbO4 in hydrogen, ammonia, and LPG

Nanosized iron niobate (FeNbO4) powder with 35-60 nm average particle size has been synthesized through pyrolysis of precursor solution containing iron nitrate, niobium tartarate, and triethanolamine (TEA). The compressed powder exhibits maximum sensitivity to H-2 at 250 degrees C and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and NH3 at 300 degrees C. The incorporation of platinum (1 wt %) into the nanosized FeNbO4 by impregnation method reduces the operating temperature along with response time and recovery time for sensing H-2, LPG, and NH3. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy studies, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurements have been used for characterization of both the compositions produced after heat-treatment at 850 degrees C. Both samples exhibit orthorhombic structure with crystallite sizes, average particle sizes, and specific surface areas 20-24 nm, 35-60 nm, and 48-51 m(2)/g, respectively, determined from XRD, TEM studies, and BET surface area measurements. (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.