Magnesium substitution with nickel and its influence on the sensing properties of MgFe2O4

Abstract

Mixed spinel ferrites MgxNi1-xFe2O4 were synthesized via sol-gel combustion synthesis with citric acid as fuel, followed by calcination at 700 °C for 3 hours. Obtained powders were characterized via X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy and FESEM microscopy. Elemental composition was examined via energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Humidity sensing properties were tested by measuring AC impedance in a climactic chamber at 25 °C and in the relative humidity range of 40–90%. Temperature sensing properties were tested by measuring DC resistance at 40% RH in the temperature range 40–90 °C. Synthesized powders were proven to be pure spinel Fd 3m phase with spherical, slightly agglomerated particles. Substitution of Mg with Ni results in structural changes such as a change in inversion parameter and particle agglomeration, which influences sensing properties of the material. Results show that the sensing properties of magnesium ferrite, which is already a well-established NTC sensor, can be improved by incorporating 10% of nickel in the spinel lattice structure. Mg0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4 exhibited higher temperature sensitivity and higher sensitivity towards humidity compared to MgFe2O4, while further substitution of Mg with Ni resulted in the decline of sensing properties, increase in particle size and agglomeration degree.