CdFe2O4 thin films for the detection of benzene vapors

Spinel cadmium ferrite thin films were prepared using spray pyrolysis technique. The structural analysis of synthesized CdFe2O4 thin films shows the spinel structure, which exhibits polycrystalline nature. Morphological study confirms that the crystallites of CdFe2O4 thin film have island-like nature. The size of the crystallite is recorded to be around 13.0-37 nm. Energy-dispersion spectroscopy confirms the presence of oxygen, iron and cadmium in cadmium ferrites film. The prepared CdFe2O4 thin film is extremely sensitive towards toxic benzene vapor molecules at ambient temperature. The resistance of synthesized CdFe2O4 thin film decreases considerably when this material is exposed to benzene vapor molecules. The selectivity, stability, recovery time, sensitivity and response time of CdFe2O4 thin film towards benzene vapor molecules were explored in the present study.