Acetone and ethanol sensing of barium hexaferrite particles: A case study considering the possibilities of non-conventional hexaferrite sensor

Hexaferrites are well known for their important magnetic and data storage applications. The volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing of hexaferrites is not reported yet in open literature. In the present work, acetone and ethanol sensing characteristics of nano-crystalline barium hexaferrite particles has been investigated. The phase formation behaviour and microstructure evolution of the synthesized barium hexaferrite particles are studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption and current–voltage studies are carried out to confirm the semiconducting nature of the particles. Gas sensing study revealed barium hexaferrite as promising sensor for the fast and reproducible detection of acetone and ethanol vapours at low concentrations (20 ppm). The present systematic study on the promising acetone and ethanol sensing characteristics of barium hexaferrite particles could play significant role to explore the possibilities of non-conventional hexagonal ferrite sensors.