Simple Co-Precipitation Synthesis and Characterization Studies of La_1−x Ni _x VO₃ Perovskites Nanostructures for Humidity Sensing Applications

Ni²⁺-doped LaVO₃ perovskites nanostructures were successfully prepared by a simple coprecipitation method. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirms that all compositions crystallize with orthorhombic LaVO₃ perovskites structure. The lattice parameter decreases with increase in Ni²⁺ content resulting in the reduction of lattice strain in LaVO₃. High resolution scanning electron microscope (HR-SEM) images revealed that the as-prepared samples are crystalline with particle size distribution in 142–250 nm range. The BET studies revealed the surface area of the required samples. The samples were subjected to humidity sensing studies by solid-state electrical conductance studies. The studies revealed that La_0.4Ni_0.6VO₃ is a good candidate for humidity sensors with a higher sensitivity factor (S_f ) of 15623.02. The higher S_f of La_0.4Ni_0.6VO₃ is due to the larger surface area of the sample.