Highly sensitive H2S sensor based on solvothermally prepared spinel ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles

Abstract ZnFe2O4 nanostructures were synthesized through a one-step solvothermal approach using zinc acetylacetonate and iron acetylacetonate as a precursor. The ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were obtained at the temperatures 150 °C. Structure features of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were characterized using various methods such as powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy etc. Application of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles as gas sensor materials displayed the higher sensitivity, good stability, and repeatability to low concentration H2S at low temperature. The sensor response can be up to 15.1 to 5 ppm H2S gas at a low operating temperature of 135 °C. Thus, the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles are very promising for chemical gas sensors with good sensing characteristics for environmental and healthcare fields.