The gas-sensing properties of thick film sensors based on nano-ZnFe2O4 prepared by hydrothermal method

ZnFe2O4 sensors were fabricated from nano-ZnFe2O4 powders prepared by hydrothermal method and their gas-sensing properties were investigated. It was found that the phase composition of the product and the gas-sensing properties greatly depend on the reaction pH value and the reaction temperature. Nano-ZnFe2O4 powders could be obtained at a pH of 8-10 and the sensor based on the nano-ZnFe2O4 powder prepared at 220 degrees C exhibited the best performance, characterized by high sensitivity to low concentrations of C2H5OH at 180 degrees C, especially, the sensitivity to 100 ppm C2H5OH was as high as 76. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.