Gas Sensing with Er-doped ZnFe2O4 Nanofibers Prepared by Facile Electrospinning

The article delves into the critical need for efficient n-butanol sensors due to the health and safety risks posed by this volatile organic compound. It presents a novel approach using Er-doped ZnFe2O4 nanofibers prepared via electrospinning, which exhibit remarkable sensitivity, rapid response, and exceptional selectivity toward n-butanol. The study meticulously characterizes the structural and morphological properties of these nanofibers, revealing how Er doping enhances gas sensing performance. The results demonstrate that 3% Er-doped ZnFe2O4 nanofibers achieve a high response of 30.3 to 100 ppm n-butanol, with a low detection limit of 0.1 ppm and excellent repeatability. The article also explores the gas sensing mechanisms, highlighting the role of lattice defects, oxygen vacancies, and the unique crystal structure of ZnFe2O4 in improving sensor performance. This research paves the way for the development of advanced gas sensors with potential applications in environmental monitoring and industrial safety.