Gas sensing properties of Zn-doped p-type nickel ferrite

The influence of zinc ion to the NiFe2O4 p-type semiconductor gas response characteristics is demonstrated. For characterization of gas sensor material, synthesized by sol–gel auto combustion method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DC resistance and impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements were employed. The response change of Zn doped nickel ferrite is related to the interruption of hole hopping between nickel ions. This was improved by change of conductivity type with temperature and gas exposure.