Nanocrystalline iron-manganite (FeMnO3) applied for humidity sensing

Abstract

Nanocrystalline iron manganite was synthesized using a sol-gel self-combustion method with glycine as fuel, followed by calcination at 900 °C for 8 hours. Structural characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It confirmed the formation of nanocrystalline iron-manganite with a perovskite structure. Humidity sensing properties of bulk and thick film samples of the obtained nanocrystalline iron manganite powder were analyzed. Organic vehicles were added to the powder to form a thick film paste that was screen printed on alumina substrate with test PdAg interdigitated electrodes. Impedance response of bulk and thick film samples was analyzed in a humidity chamber in the relative humidity range 30-90% in the frequency range 42 Hz to 1 MHz in view of applying iron-manganite for humidity sensing applications.