Sol-Gel Fabricated Transition Metal Cr3+, Co2+ Doped Lanthanum Ferric Oxide (LFO-LaFeO3) Thin Film Sensors for the Detection of Toxic, Flammable Gases: A Comparative Study

Abstract

In this investigation we are reporting the rapid preparation of Perovskite LaFeO3 thin films prepared by sol-gel synthesis followed by spin coating method. The structural properties of the spin coated LaFeO3 thin films measured by X-ray Diffractometer which confirms the formation of monophasic, orthorhombic, Perovskite LaFeO3 material. The morphological features of the films were explore by the ease of scanning electron microscopy, where the crystalline LaFeO3 nanoparticles were observed. Energy dispersive spectroscopy was utilized for the determination of elemental composition. The electrical properties were carried out to confirm the typical semiconducting behaviour of LaFeO3 p- type semiconductor. The thin films were subjected for gas sensing study, the material was found to be very efficient gas sensors for LPG, petrol vapour, CO2, methanol, ethanol, acetone gases. The main object was to discuss comparative study, means, what changes in parameters may be observed due to doping elements. Here undoped LFO sensor showed excellent sensitivity to methanol vapours, while doped LFO sensors found to very sensitive for petrol vapours. The enhanced sensitivity by doped LFO may attributed to increase surface area due to dopants.While all parameter essential for effective sensor were investigated in detail like, response recovery, reusability, selectivity of both the sensors.