Fabrication of MnFe2O4 and Ni: MnFe2O4 nanoparticles for ammonia gas sensor application

[Display omitted] •The MnFe2O4 and Ni doped MnFe2O4 are prepared by co-precipitation method.•The structural and morphological properties of the nanoparticles were examined.•The maximum sensing efficiency was observed for 5wt% Ni doped MnFe2O4.•The sensing percentage was found to be 72% for 5 wt% Ni doped MnFe2O4. Manganese ferrites (MnFe2O4) and three different weight percentage of nickel doped manganese ferrites (Ni: MnFe2O4) was prepared through a chemical co-precipitation method. The crystal structure, crystallite size, and phase of the prepared materials are determined by X-Ray Diffraction technique (XRD). The average crystallite size was calculated to be 44 nm, 42 nm, 37 nm, and 35 nm for MnFe2O4, Ni1%Mn(x−1%) Fe2O4, Ni3%Mn(x−3%)Fe2O4, and Ni5%Mn(x−5%)Fe2O4, respectively. Fourier Transforms Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique is used to study the functional groups present in the prepared materials. Surface morphology and elemental compositions of the synthesized nanoparticles were examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The gas sensing property of the prepared materials was studied with different ppm of ammonia gas (NH3), and the respective response and recovery time was calculated.