Monophasic ZnFe2O4 synthesis from a xerogel layer by auto combustion

Abstract The influence of sol–gel auto combustion synthesis conditions on the phase purity and microstructure of ZnFe 2 O 4 (ZnO·Fe 2 O 3 ) nanopowders was studied. The phase composition was determined by X-ray diffraction and the particle size measured by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the external conditions of the auto-combustion reaction affect the phase purity of the synthesized material. Combustion of a xerogel layer on a hot plate forms monophasic spinel zinc ferrite with a particle size ∼20 nm. Practical use of synthesized ZnFe 2 O 4 nanopowders as gas sensors with reversible response–recovery behavior to ethanol is demonstrated.