Influence of Li doping on the humidity response of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanopowders synthesized at room temperature

Li doped and undoped gamma-Fe2O3 nanopowders have been synthesized at room temperature via simple method by using ethylene diamine as a precipitating agent. The influence of Li doping on the humidity sensing behavior was investigated by varying the doping concentration of Li (0.15, 0.30, 0.45 and 0.75 mol%). The results revealed that the Li doping was advantageous for tuning the response curves in the lower humidity region. The optimal content for Li doping was found to be 0.45 mol% for which the sensor showed more linear behavior with its potential for device application in comparison with the other samples. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.