A high-performance low-temperature LPG detection by MgFe2O4/BiVO4 chemiresistive sensor

Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is an extensively used cooking fuel and autogas that is toxic, explosive in nature, and has a considerable effect on humans and environment. The present study reports the development of a highly sensitive chemiresistive sensor towards LPG operating at low temperatures. A two-step process of solution combustion and hydrothermal method has been adopted for the synthesis of MgFe2O4/BiVO4 nanocomposite. This work reports the synthesis of the novel nanocomposite; catalytic BiVO4 incorporated in the porous MgFe2O4 and its application for LPG sensing. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to analyse the structural, morphological, and compositional studies of prepared nanomaterials. LPG detection was carried out from 50 to 500 ppm, and the sensor with 8:1 at% showed a peak response of 58%, with short response time 37 s and 42 s of recovery towards 500 ppm of LPG at low operating temperature of 50 °C. Besides, the fabricated low-cost sensor showed excellent selectivity and long-term stability towards LPG. Highly efficient LPG sensing device fabrication can be facilitated by this sensor.