Sensors & Transducers

Volume 134 Issue 11 www.sensorsportal.com ISSN 1726-5479

November 2011

Editors-in-Chief: professor Sergey Y. Yurish, tel.: +34 696067716, e-mail: editor@sensorsportal.com

Editors for Western Europe Editor South America

Meijer, Gerard C.M., Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands Costa-Felix, Rodrigo, Inmetro, Brazil
Ferrari, Vittorio, Universitá di Brescia, Italy
Editor for Africa
Editor for Eastern Europe Maki K.Habib, American University in Cairo, Egypt
Sachenko, Anatoly, Ternopil State Economic University, Ukraine
Editor for Asia
Editors for North America Ohyama, Shinji, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
Datskos, Panos G., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA
Fabien, J. Josse, Marquette University, USA Editor for Asia-Pacific
Katz, Evgeny, Clarkson University, USA Mukhopadhyay, Subhas, Massey University, New Zealand

Editorial Advisory Board

Abdul Rahim, Ruzairi, Universiti Teknologi, Malaysia Ding, Jianning, Jiangsu Polytechnic University, China
Ahmad, Mohd Noor, Nothern University of Engineering, Malaysia Djordjevich, Alexandar, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Annamalai, Karthigeyan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science Donato, Nicola, University of Messina, Italy
and Technology, Japan Donato, Patricio, Universidad de Mar del Plata, Argentina
Arcega, Francisco, University of Zaragoza, Spain Dong, Feng, Tianjin University, China
Arguel, Philippe, CNRS, France Drljaca, Predrag, Instersema Sensoric SA, Switzerland
Ahn, Jae-Pyoung, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Korea Dubey, Venketesh, Bournemouth University, UK
Arndt, Michael, Robert Bosch GmbH, Germany Enderle, Stefan, Univ.of Ulm and KTB Mechatronics GmbH, Germany
Ascoli, Giorgio, George Mason University, USA Erdem, Gursan K. Arzum, Ege University, Turkey
Atalay, Selcuk, Inonu University, Turkey Erkmen, Aydan M., Middle East Technical University, Turkey
Atghiaee, Ahmad, University of Tehran, Iran Estelle, Patrice, Insa Rennes, France
Augutis, Vygantas, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania Estrada, Horacio, University of North Carolina, USA
Avachit, Patil Lalchand, North Maharashtra University, India Faiz, Adil, INSA Lyon, France
Ayesh, Aladdin, De Montfort University, UK Fericean, Sorin, Balluff GmbH, Germany
Azamimi, Azian binti Abdullah, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia Fernandes, Joana M., University of Porto, Portugal
Bahreyni, Behraad, University of Manitoba, Canada Francioso, Luca, CNR-IMM Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Italy
Baliga, Shankar, B., General Monitors Transnational, USA Francis, Laurent, University Catholique de Louvain, Belgium
Baoxian, Ye, Zhengzhou University, China Fu, Weiling, South-Western Hospital, Chongqing, China
Barford, Lee, Agilent Laboratories, USA Gaura, Elena, Coventry University, UK
Barlingay, Ravindra, RF Arrays Systems, India Geng, Yanfeng, China University of Petroleum, China
Basu, Sukumar, Jadavpur University, India Gole, James, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
Beck, Stephen, University of Sheffield, UK Gong, Hao, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Ben Bouzid, Sihem, Institut National de Recherche Scientifique, Tunisia Gonzalez de la Rosa, Juan Jose, University of Cadiz, Spain
Benachaiba, Chellali, Universitaire de Bechar, Algeria Granel, Annette, Goteborg University, Sweden
Binnie, T. David, Napier University, UK Graff, Mason, The University of Texas at Arlington, USA
Bischoff, Gerlinde, Inst. Analytical Chemistry, Germany Guan, Shan, Eastman Kodak, USA
Bodas, Dhananjay, IMTEK, Germany Guillet, Bruno, University of Caen, France
Borges Carval, Nuno, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal Guo, Zhen, New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA
Bousbia-Salah, Mounir, University of Annaba, Algeria Gupta, Narendra Kumar, Napier University, UK
Bouvet, Marcel, CNRS – UPMC, France Hadjiloucas, Sillas, The University of Reading, UK
Brudzewski, Kazimierz, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland Haider, Mohammad R., Sonoma State University, USA
Cai, Chenxin, Nanjing Normal University, China Hashsham, Syed, Michigan State University, USA
Cai, Qingyun, Hunan University, China Hasni, Abdelhafid, Bechar University, Algeria
Campanella, Luigi, University La Sapienza, Italy Hernandez, Alvaro, University of Alcala, Spain
Carvalho, Vitor, Minho University, Portugal Hernandez, Wilmar, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Spain
Cecelja, Franjo, Brunel University, London, UK Homentcovschi, Dorel, SUNY Binghamton, USA
Cerda Belmonte, Judith, Imperial College London, UK Horstman, Tom, U.S. Automation Group, LLC, USA
Chakrabarty, Chandan Kumar, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia Hsiai, Tzung (John), University of Southern California, USA
Chakravorty, Dipankar, Association for the Cultivation of Science, India Huang, Jeng-Sheng, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan
Changhai, Ru, Harbin Engineering University, China Huang, Star, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan
Chaudhari, Gajanan, Shri Shivaji Science College, India Huang, Wei, PSG Design Center, USA
Chavali, Murthy, N.I. Center for Higher Education, (N.I. University), India Hui, David, University of New Orleans, USA
Chen, Jiming, Zhejiang University, China Jaffrezic-Renault, Nicole, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, France
Chen, Rongshun, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan Jaime Calvo-Galleg, Jaime, Universidad de Salamanca, Spain
Cheng, Kuo-Sheng, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan James, Daniel, Griffith University, Australia
Chiang, Jeffrey (Cheng-Ta), Industrial Technol. Research Institute, Taiwan Janting, Jakob, DELTA Danish Electronics, Denmark
Chiriac, Horia, National Institute of Research and Development, Romania Jiang, Liudi, University of Southampton, UK
Chowdhuri, Arijit, University of Delhi, India Jiang, Wei, University of Virginia, USA
Chung, Wen-Yaw, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan Jiao, Zheng, Shanghai University, China
Corres, Jesus, Universidad Publica de Navarra, Spain John, Joachim, IMEC, Belgium
Cortes, Camilo A., Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia Kalach, Andrew, Voronezh Institute of Ministry of Interior, Russia
Courtois, Christian, Universite de Valenciennes, France Kang, Moonho, Sunmoon University, Korea South
Cusano, Andrea, University of Sannio, Italy Kaniusas, Eugenijus, Vienna University of Technology, Austria
D'Amico, Arnaldo, Università di Tor Vergata, Italy Katake, Anup, Texas A&M University, USA
De Stefano, Luca, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystem, Italy Kausel, Wilfried, University of Music, Vienna, Austria
Deshmukh, Kiran, Shri Shivaji Mahavidyalaya, Barshi, India Kavasoglu, Nese, Mugla University, Turkey
Dickert, Franz L., Vienna University, Austria Ke, Cathy, Tyndall National Institute, Ireland
Dieguez, Angel, University of Barcelona, Spain Khelfaoui, Rachid, Université de Bechar, Algeria
Dighavkar, C. G., M.G. Vidyamandir’s L. V.H. College, India Khan, Asif, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
Dimitropoulos, Panos, University of Thessaly, Greece Kim, Min Young, Kyungpook National University, Korea South
Ko, Sang Choon, Electronics. and Telecom. Research Inst., Korea South Sandacci, Serghei, Sensor Technology Ltd., UK
Kotulska, Malgorzata, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland Saxena, Vibha, Bhbha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
Kockar, Hakan, Balikesir University, Turkey Schneider, John K., Ultra-Scan Corporation, USA
Kong, Ing, RMIT University, Australia Sengupta, Deepak, Advance Bio-Photonics, India
Kratz, Henrik, Uppsala University, Sweden Seif, Selemani, Alabama A & M University, USA
Krishnamoorthy, Ganesh, University of Texas at Austin, USA Seifter, Achim, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA
Kumar, Arun, University of South Florida, USA Shah, Kriyang, La Trobe University, Australia
Kumar, Subodh, National Physical Laboratory, India Sankarraj, Anand, Detector Electronics Corp., USA
Kung, Chih-Hsien, Chang-Jung Christian University, Taiwan Silva Girao, Pedro, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal
Lacnjevac, Caslav, University of Belgrade, Serbia Singh, V. R., National Physical Laboratory, India
Lay-Ekuakille, Aime, University of Lecce, Italy Slomovitz, Daniel, UTE, Uruguay
Lee, Jang Myung, Pusan National University, Korea South Smith, Martin, Open University, UK
Lee, Jun Su, Amkor Technology, Inc. South Korea Soleymanpour, Ahmad, Damghan Basic Science University, Iran
Lei, Hua, National Starch and Chemical Company, USA Somani, Prakash R., Centre for Materials for Electronics Technol., India
Li, Fengyuan (Thomas), Purdue University, USA Srinivas, Talabattula, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Li, Genxi, Nanjing University, China Srivastava, Arvind K., NanoSonix Inc., USA
Li, Hui, Shanghai Jiaotong University, China Stefan-van Staden, Raluca-Ioana, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Li, Xian-Fang, Central South University, China Stefanescu, Dan Mihai, Romanian Measurement Society, Romania
Li, Yuefa, Wayne State University, USA Sumriddetchka, Sarun, National Electronics and Computer Technology Center,
Liang, Yuanchang, University of Washington, USA Thailand
Liawruangrath, Saisunee, Chiang Mai University, Thailand Sun, Chengliang, Polytechnic University, Hong-Kong
Liew, Kim Meow, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sun, Dongming, Jilin University, China
Lin, Hermann, National Kaohsiung University, Taiwan Sun, Junhua, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China
Lin, Paul, Cleveland State University, USA Sun, Zhiqiang, Central South University, China
Linderholm, Pontus, EPFL - Microsystems Laboratory, Switzerland Suri, C. Raman, Institute of Microbial Technology, India
Liu, Aihua, University of Oklahoma, USA Sysoev, Victor, Saratov State Technical University, Russia
Liu Changgeng, Louisiana State University, USA Szewczyk, Roman, Industrial Research Inst. for Automation and Measurement,
Liu, Cheng-Hsien, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan Poland
Liu, Songqin, Southeast University, China Tan, Ooi Kiang, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,
Lodeiro, Carlos, University of Vigo, Spain Tang, Dianping, Southwest University, China
Lorenzo, Maria Encarnacio, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain Tang, Jaw-Luen, National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan
Lukaszewicz, Jerzy Pawel, Nicholas Copernicus University, Poland Teker, Kasif, Frostburg State University, USA
Ma, Zhanfang, Northeast Normal University, China Thirunavukkarasu, I., Manipal University Karnataka, India
Majstorovic, Vidosav, University of Belgrade, Serbia Thumbavanam Pad, Kartik, Carnegie Mellon University, USA
Malyshev, V.V., National Research Centre ‘Kurchatov Institute’, Russia Tian, Gui Yun, University of Newcastle, UK
Marquez, Alfredo, Centro de Investigacion en Materiales Avanzados, Mexico Tsiantos, Vassilios, Technological Educational Institute of Kaval, Greece
Matay, Ladislav, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia Tsigara, Anna, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Greece
Mathur, Prafull, National Physical Laboratory, India Twomey, Karen, University College Cork, Ireland
Maurya, D.K., Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Singapore Valente, Antonio, University, Vila Real, - U.T.A.D., Portugal
Mekid, Samir, University of Manchester, UK Vanga, Raghav Rao, Summit Technology Services, Inc., USA
Melnyk, Ivan, Photon Control Inc., Canada Vaseashta, Ashok, Marshall University, USA
Mendes, Paulo, University of Minho, Portugal Vazquez, Carmen, Carlos III University in Madrid, Spain
Mennell, Julie, Northumbria University, UK Vieira, Manuela, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Portugal
Mi, Bin, Boston Scientific Corporation, USA Vigna, Benedetto, STMicroelectronics, Italy
Minas, Graca, University of Minho, Portugal Vrba, Radimir, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic
Moghavvemi, Mahmoud, University of Malaya, Malaysia Wandelt, Barbara, Technical University of Lodz, Poland
Mohammadi, Mohammad-Reza, University of Cambridge, UK Wang, Jiangping, Xi'an Shiyou University, China
Molina Flores, Esteban, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Wang, Kedong, Beihang University, China
Mexico Wang, Liang, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA
Moradi, Majid, University of Kerman, Iran Wang, Mi, University of Leeds, UK
Morello, Rosario, University "Mediterranea" of Reggio Calabria, Italy Wang, Shinn-Fwu, Ching Yun University, Taiwan
Mounir, Ben Ali, University of Sousse, Tunisia Wang, Wei-Chih, University of Washington, USA
Mrad, Nezih, Defence R&D, Canada Wang, Wensheng, University of Pennsylvania, USA
Mulla, Imtiaz Sirajuddin, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India Watson, Steven, Center for NanoSpace Technologies Inc., USA
Nabok, Aleksey, Sheffield Hallam University, UK Weiping, Yan, Dalian University of Technology, China
Neelamegam, Periasamy, Sastra Deemed University, India Wells, Stephen, Southern Company Services, USA
Neshkova, Milka, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria Wolkenberg, Andrzej, Institute of Electron Technology, Poland
Oberhammer, Joachim, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden Woods, R. Clive, Louisiana State University, USA
Ould Lahoucine, Cherif, University of Guelma, Algeria Wu, DerHo, National Pingtung Univ. of Science and Technology, Taiwan
Pamidighanta, Sayanu, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), India Wu, Zhaoyang, Hunan University, China
Pan, Jisheng, Institute of Materials Research & Engineering, Singapore Xiu Tao, Ge, Chuzhou University, China
Park, Joon-Shik, Korea Electronics Technology Institute, Korea South Xu, Lisheng, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Penza, Michele, ENEA C.R., Italy Xu, Sen, Drexel University, USA
Pereira, Jose Miguel, Instituto Politecnico de Setebal, Portugal Xu, Tao, University of California, Irvine, USA
Petsev, Dimiter, University of New Mexico, USA Yang, Dongfang, National Research Council, Canada
Pogacnik, Lea, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia Yang, Shuang-Hua, Loughborough University, UK
Post, Michael, National Research Council, Canada Yang, Wuqiang, The University of Manchester, UK
Prance, Robert, University of Sussex, UK Yang, Xiaoling, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
Prasad, Ambika, Gulbarga University, India Yaping Dan, Harvard University, USA
Prateepasen, Asa, Kingmoungut's University of Technology, Thailand Ymeti, Aurel, University of Twente, Netherland
Pullini, Daniele, Centro Ricerche FIAT, Italy Yong Zhao, Northeastern University, China
Pumera, Martin, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan Yu, Haihu, Wuhan University of Technology, China
Radhakrishnan, S. National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India Yuan, Yong, Massey University, New Zealand
Rajanna, K., Indian Institute of Science, India Yufera Garcia, Alberto, Seville University, Spain
Ramadan, Qasem, Institute of Microelectronics, Singapore Zakaria, Zulkarnay, University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia
Rao, Basuthkar, Tata Inst. of Fundamental Research, India Zagnoni, Michele, University of Southampton, UK
Raoof, Kosai, Joseph Fourier University of Grenoble, France Zamani, Cyrus, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
Rastogi Shiva, K. University of Idaho, USA Zeni, Luigi, Second University of Naples, Italy
Reig, Candid, University of Valencia, Spain Zhang, Minglong, Shanghai University, China
Restivo, Maria Teresa, University of Porto, Portugal Zhang, Qintao, University of California at Berkeley, USA
Robert, Michel, University Henri Poincare, France Zhang, Weiping, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
Rezazadeh, Ghader, Urmia University, Iran Zhang, Wenming, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
Royo, Santiago, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Spain Zhang, Xueji, World Precision Instruments, Inc., USA
Rodriguez, Angel, Universidad Politecnica de Cataluna, Spain Zhong, Haoxiang, Henan Normal University, China
Rothberg, Steve, Loughborough University, UK Zhu, Qing, Fujifilm Dimatix, Inc., USA
Sadana, Ajit, University of Mississippi, USA Zorzano, Luis, Universidad de La Rioja, Spain
Sadeghian Marnani, Hamed, TU Delft, The Netherlands Zourob, Mohammed, University of Cambridge, UK
Sapozhnikova, Ksenia, D.I.Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology, Russia

Sensors & Transducers Journal (ISSN 1726-5479) is a peer review international journal published monthly online by International Frequency Sensor Association (IFSA).
Available in electronic and on CD. Copyright © 2011 by International Frequency Sensor Association. All rights reserved.
 Sensors & Transducers Journal

Contents
Volume 134 www.sensorsportal.com ISSN 1726-5479
Issue 11
November 2011

Research Articles

Nanomaterials and Chemical Sensors

Sukumar Basu and Palash Kumar Basu ............................................................................................ 1

Fabrication of Phenyl-Hydrazine Chemical Sensor Based on Al- doped ZnO Nanoparticles

Mohammed M. Rahman, Sher Bahadar Khan, A. Jamal, M. Faisal, Abdullah M. Asiri ..................... 32

Nanostructured Ferrite Based Electronic nose Sensitive to Ammonia at room temperature

U. B. Gawas, V. M. S. Verenkar, D. R. Patil....................................................................................... 45

A Humidity Sensor Based on Nb-doped Nanoporous TiO2 Thin Film

Mansoor Anbia, S. E. Moosavi Fard................................................................................................... 56

A Resistive Humidity Sensor Based on Nanostructured WO3-ZnO Composites

Karunesh Tiwari, Anupam Tripathi, N. K. Pandey .............................................................................. 65

Highly Sensitive Cadmium Concentration Sensor Using Long Period Grating

A. S. Lalasangi, J. F. Akki, K. G. Manohar, T. Srinivas, Prasad Raikar, Sanjay Kher
and U. S. Raikar ................................................................................................................................. 76

MEMS Based Ethanol Sensor Using ZnO Nanoblocks, Nanocombs and Nanoflakes as
Sensing Layer
H. J. Pandya, Sudhir Chandra and A. L. Vyas ................................................................................... 85

Simple Synthesis of ZnCo2O4 Nanoparticles as Gas-sensing Materials

S. V. Bangale,S. M. Khetre D. R. Patil and S. R. Bamane................................................................. 95

Nanostructured Spinel ZnFe2O4 for the Detection of Chlorine Gas

S. V. Bangale, D. R. Patil and S. R. Bamane..................................................................................... 107

Fabrication of Polyaniline-ZnO Nanocomposite Gas Sensor

S. L. Patil, M. A. Chougule, S. G. Pawar, Shashwati Sen, A. V. Moholkar, J. H. Kim and V. B. Patil 120

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Crystalline Cu and Pb0.5-Cu0.5- ferrites by

Mechanochemical Method and Their Electrical and Gas Sensing Properties
V. B. Gaikwad ,S. S. Gaikwad, A. V. Borhade and R. D. Nikam........................................................ 132

Surface Modification of MWCNTs: Preparation, Characterization and Electrical Percolation

Studies of MWCNTs/PVP Composite Films for Realization of Ammonia Gas Sensor
Operable at Room Temperature
Sakshi Sharma, K. Sengupta, S. S. Islam.......................................................................................... 143

An Investigation of Structural and Electrical Properties of Nano Crystalline SnO2: Cu Thin

Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis
J. Podder and S. S. Roy ..................................................................................................................... 155
 Nanocrystalline Cobalt-doped SnO2 Thin Film: A Sensitive Cigarette Smoke Sensor
Patil Shriram B., More Mahendra A., Patil Arun V.............................................................................. 163

Effect of Annealing on the Structural and Optical Properties of Nano Fiber ZnO Films
Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis
M. R. Islam, J. Podder, S. F. U. Farhad and D. K. Saha.................................................................... 170

Amperometric Acetylcholinesterase Biosensor Based on Multilayer Multiwall Carbon

Nanotubes-chitosan Composite
Xia Sun, Chen Zhai, Xiangyou Wang................................................................................................. 177

Fabrication of Biosensors Based on Nanostructured Conducting Polyaniline (NSPANI)

Deepshikha Saini, Ruchika Chauhan and Tinku Basu....................................................................... 187

Authors are encouraged to submit article in MS Word (doc) and Acrobat (pdf) formats by e-mail: editor@sensorsportal.com
Please visit journal’s webpage with preparation instructions: http://www.sensorsportal.com/HTML/DIGEST/Submition.htm

International Frequency Sensor Association (IFSA).

 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

Sensors & Transducers

ISSN 1726-5479
© 2011 by IFSA
http://www.sensorsportal.com

Simple Synthesis of ZnCo2O4 Nanoparticles

as Gas-sensing Materials
*
S. V. Bangale,* S. M. Khetre ** D. R. Patil and * S. R. Bamane
*
Metal Oxide Research, Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Dr. Patangrao Kadam
Mahavidyalaya, Sangli 416416 (M.S.) India
**
Bulk and Nano Materials Research Lab, Dept. of Physics, Rani Laxmibai College
Parola, Dist – Jalgaon, 425111
Tel.: 0233-2535993, fax: 0233-2535993
E-mail: bangale_sv@rediffmail.com

Received: 15 July 2011 /Accepted: 21 November 2011 /Published: 29 November 2011

Abstract: Semiconductive nanometer-size material ZnCo2O4 was synthesized by a solution combustion

reaction of inorganic reagents of Zn(NO3)3. 6H2O, Co(NO3)3.6H2O and glycine as a fuel. The process was
a convenient, environment friendly, inexpensive and efficient preparation method for the ZnCo2O4
nanomaterial. The synthesized materials were characterized by TG/DTA, XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM.
Conductance responses of the nanocrystalline ZnCo2O4 thick film were measured by exposing the film to
reducing gases like Acetone, Ethanol, Ammonia (NH3), Hydrogen (H2), Hydrogen sulphide (H2S),
Chlorine (Cl2) and Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It was found that the sensors exhibited various
sensing responses to these gases at different operating temperature. Furthermore, the sensor exhibited a
fast response and a good recovery. The results demonstrated that ZnCo2O4 can be used as a new type of
gas-sensing material which has a high sensitivity and good selectivity to Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
at 100 ppm. Copyright © 2011 IFSA.

Keyword: Nanostructure ZnCo2O4, XRD, SEM, TEM, Gas sensor.

1. Introduction
Among the various materials, ZnO is the most promising semiconductor [1] to detect the toxic and
hazardous gases. In recent years, one dimensional (1D) nanostructures of semiconducting metal oxides
with high surface to volume ratio and small grain size have received focused attention due to their

95
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

potential applications in fabricating gas sensors [2, 5], humidity sensors [6, 7] and nanoelectronic circuits
[9]. Cr2O3-activated ZnO was reported to be a humidity sensors [10], Cr2O3-modified ZnO thick film
resistors was reported to be LPG sensors [11]. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is utilized in almost every
kitchen all over the world. It is therefore, referred as a town gas or cooking gas. It is utilized in large
extent for industrial purposes and in laboratories as fuel. Cooking gas consists chiefly of butane [12],
which is a colourless and odourless gas. It is usually mixed with compounds of sulphur (viz.methyl
mercaptan and ethyl mercaptan) having foul smell, so that its leakage can be noticed easily. This gas is
potentially hazardous because explosion accidents [13] might be caused, when it leaks out by mistake. It
has been reported that, at the concentration up to noticeable leakage, it is very much more than the lower
explosive limit (LEL) of the gas in air. Explosion accidents destroyed many industries, laboratories,
kitchens and houses, building, societies and what not? Many researchers are working on LPG sensor, but
could not meet the challenges up to the depth of demand by society. So there is a great demand from the
society of detecting LPG for the purpose of safety application in domestic and industrial fields.

Among p-type semiconducting metal oxide, Co3O4 is a promising material due to its application potential
in many technological areas such as heterogeneous catalysis [14], anode material in lithium rechargeable
batteries [15], sensors [16], Zinc cobaltite ZnCo2O4 is one of these compounds, which has long been used
as a ceramic color pigment or dying material [17,18]. In the same way, solid soluctions of nominal
composition ZnxCo3-xO4 exhibit improved adsorbent capabilities so they find application as selective
catalysts for oxidation and hydrogenation reaction [19], as well as for the monitoring and removal of
harmful species such as Cl2, NO2, CO2 and H2S among others [20]. ZnCo2O4 is a cobalt based spinel
oxide, where divalent Zn ions occupy the tetrahedral site in the cubic spinel structure and the trivalent Co
ions occupy the octahedral site [21]. Different methods such as typical co-precipitation [22], sol-gel route
[23], hydrothermal synthesis [24], high-temperature calcinations of hydroxide or carbonate precursor
mixtures [25] and combustion method have been proposed recently and developed which make it possible
to obtain spinel oxides in the form of ultrafine or nanoparticles. Chen and Coworkers [26] prepared by
MCo2O4 ( M = Ni, Cu, Zn) nanotubes by using template assisted method and investigated their gas
sensing properties to Cl2, NO2, C2H2OH, SO2 and CO. Du et al [27] synthesized ZnM2O4 ( M = Fe, Co,
Cr) by microemulsion method and studied the gas sensing properties to Cl2, NO2, C2H5OH, H2S and
acetone. The aim of the present work is to develop LPG sensor by ZnCo2O4 thick films. This could be
able to detect the trace amount of LPG. It was studied that the gas sensing performance of the material
can be improved by incorporating few additives into the base material and/ or surface activation of thick
films. Some well-known materials used for the fabrication of LPG sensor are SnO2 [28], Ru-SnO2 [29],
modified-SnO2 [30], etc.

In the paper, we report a LPG sensor with gas response and good selectivity using cubic nanostructure
ZnCo2O4 as the sensing material for the first time. The nanostructure ZnCo2O4 was synthesized by
combustion route first time using mixed precursor (consisting of zinc nitrate, magnesium nitrate and
glycine) at 800 0C in air for 4 h. The mixed precursor was prepared through a low cost and simple
combustion method.

2. Experimental

2.1. Powder Preparation

In this study, the as-synthesized ZnCo2O4 powder were prepared using combustion synthesis different
molar composition of fuel, subsequently, the molar composition was maintained constant, and process
was carried out under varying synthesis temperatures.

Zinc cobalt oxide (ZnCo2O4) was synthesized using the modified solution combustion technique, starting
from solution of Zn(NO3)26H2O (7.43g), (Co (NO3)26H2O (7.27g), and glycine (6.05g). glycine possesses
96
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

a high heat of combustion. It is an organic fuel and providing a platform for redox reactions during the
course of combustion. Initially the Zinc nitrates, Cobalt nitrates and Glycine are taken in the 1:1:4
stoichiometric amount and dissolved in a 250 ml beaker and made in homogenous peste. Peste formed
was evaporated on hot plate in temperature range of 70 0C to 80 0C resulting into a thick gel. The gel was
kept on a hot plate for auto combustion and heated in the temperature range of 170 0C to 180 0C. The
nanocrystalline ZnCo2O4 powder was formed within a five minute. And it was sintered at about 300, 500,
800 and 1000 0C for about 4 hours when we got a black color shining powder of nanocrystalline
ZnCo2O4.

2.2. Thick Film Preparation

Zinc cobalt oxide powder was ground in an agate pastel-moter to ensure sufficiently fine particle size.
The fine powder was calcined at 800 0C for 24 h in air and re-ground. The thixotropic paste [31, 32] was
formulated by mixing the resulting ZnCo2O4 fine powder with a soluction of ethyl cellulose (a temporary
binder) in a mixture of organic solvents such as butyl carbitol acetate and turpineol. The ratio of inorganic
and organic path was kept as 75:25 in formulating the paste. The paste was then used to prepare thick
films. The thixotropic paste was screen printed on a glass substrate in desired patterns. The films prepared
were fired at 500 0C for 24 h.

2.3. Characterization

The as –prepared samples were characterized by TG/DTA thermal analyzer (SDT Q600 V 20.9 Build 20),
XRD Philips Analytic X-ray B.V. (PW-3710 Based Model diffraction analysis using Cu-Kα radiation),
scanning electron microscope (SEM, JEOL JED 2300) coupled with an energy dispersive spectrometer
(EDS JEOL 6360 LA), A JEOL JEM–200 CX transmission electron microscope operating at 200 kV
analysis.

3. Result and Discussion

3.1 TG-DTA

2C2NH3O2 + (9/2) O2 → N2 + CO2 + 5H2O (1)

Zn (NO3)3 + Co (NO3)3 + 4C2H5NO2 → ZnCo2O4 + 8H2O + 10H2O + 5N2 (2)

TG-DTA analysis was performed at a heating rate of 10 K min-1 to investigate the thermal properties of
ZnCo2O4. The TG spectrum and its 1st derivative in Fig. 1 show the thermal decomposition of ZnCo2O4 is
the curve indicates that the slight weight loss of about 13.2 % at temperature up to 140 0C in ZnCo2O4
powder due to little loss of moisture, carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas. The DTA curve of ZnCo2O4
recorded in static air and in shown in Fig. 1. The curve shown that ZnCo2O4 did not decompose, but
weight loss was due to dehydrogenation, decarboxylation and denitraction. Further weight loss of about
28 % between the temperature range 300 0C and continuous loss in weight about 48 % up to 600 0C is
attributed to loss of organic materials and yield final product at 650 0C, this weight loss and weight gained
was very negligible. This weight change was in the range of 650 0C these indicating that the synthesized
powder was almost stable from the begging. The formation temperature in the present work is found to be
comparatively similar than that reported for corresponding solid state reaction route [33].

97
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

Fig. 1. TG-DTA curve of mixed precursorZnCo2O4.

3.2. XRD Results

The X-ray diffraction pattern of sample at different temperatures of synthesis. Is shown in Fig. 2. The
observed d values compared with standard d values and are in good agreement with standard d value
JCPDS data. (Card number 82-1042). The structure possesses the cubic may be attributed to the different
preparation method which may yield different structural defects. The crystalline size was determined
from full width of half maximum (FWHM) of the most intense peak obtained by shown scanning of
X-ray diffraction pattern. The crystallite size was calculated by using Scherrer equation [25-26]

d = 0.9λ/ βcosθ,

where, d is the crystalline size, λ is the X-ray wavelength of the Cu Kα source (λ=1.54056 A0), β is the
FWHM of the most predominant peak at 100 % intensity, θ is the Braggs angle at which peak is recorded.
In order to obtain pure nanocrystalline ZnCo2O4 particles and understand the thermal characterizations,
the as prepared ZnCo2O4 powder is further calcined at 180, 300, 500, 800 and 10000C respectively (the
calcined temperature assigned as TC). Fig. 2 presents XRD patterns for ZnCo2O4 oxide nanoparticles. The
effects of the calcinations temperature on the crystallite size of ZnCo2O4 particles can be demonstrated.
Traces of ZnCo2O4 crystallites phases (111), (220), (311), (222), (400),(311), (422) and (511) are detected
in the XRD pattern for all calcined temperatures and then their intensities increase abruptly when the TC
above 1000 0C .In general, the sharpness of the XRD peak (i.e. high crystallinity) is increased as the TC
increases. According to the (222) diffraction pattern of ZnCo2O4 crystalline, the particle size of ZnCo2O4
can be calculated from the full width at haif-maximum using the Scherrer equation. Obviously, the
particle size of ZnCo2O4 changes as the Tc controlled fewer than 180, 300, 500, 800 and 1000 0C, the
order is 7, 8, 9, 12 and 37 nm, respectively.

3.3. Particle Size Analyzer

Particle size distribution studies Fig. 3 have been carried out by using dynamic light scattering techniques
(DLS) via Laser input energy of 632 nm). It was observed that zinc cobalt oxide nanoparticles particles
have narrow size distribute within the range of about 25-30 nm. Which well matches are with calculated
from Debye-Scherrer equation?

98
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

222
311
220

400

511
422
Intensity (arbitary unit)

331
O
1000 C

111
O
800 C

O
500 C

O
300 C
O
180 C

20 40 60 80 100

2

Fig. 2. XRD pattern of calcinied mixed precursorZnCo2O4 at 300 0C, 500 0C. 800 0C, 1000 0C in air for 4 h.

Fig. 3. Particle size Distribution of mixed precursor ZnCo2O4 at 800 0C in air for 4 h.

3.4. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis studies (EDX)

Fig. 4 shows the energy dispersive X-ray spectrum of ZnCo2O4. This was carried out to understand the
composition of zinc, cobalt and oxygen in the material. There was no unidentified peak observed in EDX.
This confirms the purity and the composition of the ZnCo2O4 nanomaterial.

3.5. Scanning Electron Micrograph Study

The microstructure of the 800 0C sintered samples can be visualized from scanning electron microscope
(SEM) tool. Fig. 5. epicts SEM images of ZnCo2O4 powder. Shown the partical morphology of high
resolution, the partical are most irregular in shape with a nanosize range 100-200 nm some particles are
found as agglomerations containing very fine particles. It can be observed that ZnCo2O4 have uniformed
size of about 5μm.It seems that surface are smooth, spongy pores are seen in the micrograph.

99
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

Fig. 4. EDX pattern of mixed precursor ZnCo2O4 at 800 0C in air for 4 h.

(a) (b)

Fig. 5. SEM images of mixed precursor ZnCo2O4 at 800 0C in air for 4 h (a) low resolution, and (b) high resolution.

3.6. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

The TEM image of the mixed precursor calcined at 800 0C for 4 h are shown in Fig. 6(a, b).It indicates
the presence of ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles with size 30-40 nm which form beed type of oriental aggregation
throughout the region. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern Fig. 6 (c) shows the spot
type pattern which is indicative of the presence of single crystalline particles. No evidence was found for
more than one pattern, suggesting the single phage nature of the material.

3.7. Thickness Measurement

The thicknesses of the films were observed to be in the range from 25-35 µm. The reproducibility of the
film thickness was achieved by maintaining the proper rheology and thixotropy of the paste.

100
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

(a) (b)

(c)

Fig. 6. TEM (a, b) images of nanostructured ZnCo2O4 (c) SAED pattern.

4. Electrical Properties of the Sensors

4.1 I-V Characteristics

Fig. 7. depicts I-V characteristics of ZnCo2O4 films. It is clear from the symmetrical I-V characteristics
that the silver contacts on the films were ohmic in nature.

4.2. Electrical Conductivity

Fig. 8 shows the variation of log (conductivity) with temperature. The conductivity values of sample
increase with operating temperature. The increase in conductivity with increasing temperature could be
attributed to negative temperature coefficient of resistance and semiconducting nature of ZnCo2O4. It is
observed from Fig. 8 that the electrical conductivities of the ZnCo2O4 films are nearly linear in the
temperature range from 50- 400 0C in air ambient.

101
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

Fig. 7. I-V characteristics of the sensor.

Fig. 8. Variation log (conductivity) with reciprocal operating temperature (K-1).

5. Sensing Performance of Sensor

5.1 Gas Response, Selectivity, Response and Recovery Time

The relative response (S) to a target gas is defined as the ratio of the change in conductance of a sample
upon exposure of the gas to the original conductance in air. The relation for S is given as

S = Gg-Ga/Ga,

where Ga is the conductance in air and Gg the conductance in a sample gas.

Specificity or selectivity is defined as the ability of a sensor to respond to a certain gas in the presence of
different gases. Response time (RST) is defined as the time neede for a sensor to attain 90 % of the
maximum increases in conductance on exposure to the target gas.

Recovery time (RCT) is the time taken to get back 90 % of the original conductance in air.

102
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

5.2. Gas Response and Operating Temperature

Fig. 9 depicts the variation of 100 ppm gas responses with operating temperature. The ZnCo2O4 sensor
was observed to be a temperature dependents gas sensor. From Fig. 9, it is observed that the sensor better
responds to LPG gas at 350 0C, H2S gas at 3000C, Ethanol gas at 300 0C Acetone gas at 300 0C, NH3 gas
at 300 0C, CI2 gas at 300 0C, H2 gas at 350 0C, CO2 gas at 250 0C. The sensitivity towards such gas
depends on temperature. The same sensors could be used to identify LPG, H2S, Ethanol, Acetone, NH3,
Cl2, H2, and CO2 just by varying the operating temperature. This is the most desirable characteristic of
this sensor.

Fig. 9. Variation of different gas responses with operating temperatures.

5.3. Gas Response and Gas Concentration

It is observed from Fig. 10 that the response of ZnCo2O4 film was observed to increases continuously
with increasing the gas concentration up to 100 ppm, and it attains the maximum and saturates above
100 ppm. Therefore, the active region of the sensor would be up to 100 ppm, as the rate of rise of
response is larger during this region. At lower gas concentration, the unimolecular layer of gas molecules
would be expected to form on the surface, which would interact with the surface more actively giving
larger responses. There would be multilayers of gas molecules on the sensors surface at the higher gas
concentration (> 100 ppm) resulting in saturation in gas response.

5.4. Selectivity

Fig. 11 depicts the variation of gas responses of ZnCo2O4 samples to LPG among the mixture of gases. It
is clear from the figure that the ZnCo2O4 sample shows the selective response to LPG at 350 0C among all
other gases.

5.5. Response and Recovery of the Sensor

The time taken for the sensor to attain 90 % of the maximum increases in conductance on exposure of the
target gas is known as response time. The time taken by the sensor to get back 90 % of the maximum
conductance when the flow of gas is switched off is known as recovery time. The response and recovery

103
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

of the ZnCo2O4 thick film sensors was quick ( ˜ 20 s) while the recovery was fast ( ˜ 44 s). The negligible
quantity of the surface reaction products and their high volatility explain the quick response to LPG and
fast recovery to its chemical status.

Fig. 10. Variation of gas response with gas concentration.

Fig. 11. Selectivity factor of sensor for various gases.

6. Discussion
Gas sensing mechanism is generally explained in terms of conductance either by adsorption of
atmospheric oxygen on the surface and/or by direct reaction of lattice oxygen or interstitial oxygen with
the test gases. In case of former, the atmospheric oxygen adsorbs on the surface by extracting an electron
from conduction band, in the form of super-oxide or peroxides, which are mainly responsible for the
detection of the test gases. At higher temperature, the adsorbed oxygen captures the electrons from
conduction band as:

O2(air) + 2e-(cond.band) → 2O- (film surface).

104
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

It would result in decreasing conductivity of the film. When LPG reacts with the adsorbed oxygen on the
surface of the film, it gets oxidized to CO2 and H2O by following series of intermediate stage. This
liberates free electrons in the conduction band. The final reaction takes place as:

C4H10(gas) + 13O-(filmsurface) → 4CO2(gas) + 5H2O(gas) + 13e- (cond.band)

This shows n-type conduction mechanism. Thus generated electrons contribute to a sudden increase in
conductance of the thick film. The ZnCo2O4 misfit regions dispersed on the surface would enhance the
ability of base materials to absorb more oxygen species giving high resistance in air ambient. Therefore
response was obtained to 100 ppm LPG.

7. Conclusions
(I) Nanocrystalline ZnCo2O4 has been synthesized by self combustion route. This synthesis route may be
used for the synthesis of other metal oxide.

(II) Among all other additives tested, ZnCo2O4 is outstanding in promoting the LPG gas sensing
mechanism.

(III) ZnCo2O4 to be optimum and showed highest response to LPG gas at 3500C.

(IV)The sensor showed very rapid response and recovery to LPG gas.

(VI) Sensing mechanism of ZnCo2O4 was the substitution of lattice oxygen by LPG gas. Material gains
electrons in this substitution.

(VII) The sensor has good selectivity to LPG against H2S, Acetone, NH3, CI2, H2 and CO2.

References
[1]. P. T. Moseley, Materials selection for semiconductor gas sensors, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 6,
1992, pp. 149-156.
[2]. S. Xu, Y. Shin, Low temperature high sensor response nano gas sensor using ITO nanofibers, Sens. Actuators
B, 143, 2009, pp. 71-75.
[3]. S. Yun, J. Lee, J. Yang, S. Lim, Hydrothermal synthesis of Al-doped ZnO nanorod arrays on Si substrate,
Physica B, 405, 2010, pp. 413-419.
[4]. Y. Zhang, X. He, J. Li, Z. Miao, F. Huang, Fabrication and ethanol-sensing properties of micro gas sensors
based on electrospun SnO2 nanofibers, Sens. Actuators B, 132, 2008, pp. 67-73.
[5]. L. Liao, Z. Zheng, B. Yan, J. X. Zhang, H. Gong, J. C. Li, C. Li, Z. X. Shen, T. Yu, Morphology controllable
synthesis of α-Fe2O3 1D nanostructures: growth mechanism and nanodevice based on single nanowire,
J. Phys. Chem. C, 112, 2008, pp. 10784-10788.
[6]. Q. Kuang, C. Lao, Z. L. Wang, Z. Xie, L. Zheng, High-sensitivity humidity sensors based on a single SnO2
nanowire, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 129, 2007, pp. 6070-6071.
[7]. X. Song, Q. Qi, T. Zhang, C. Wang, A humidity sensors based on KCL-doped SnO2 nanofibers, Sens.
Actuators B, 138, 2009, pp. 368-373.
[8]. Q. Wan, Q. H. Li, Y. J. Chen, T. H. Wang, X. L. He, J. P. Li, C. L. Lin, Fabrication and ethanol sensing
characteristics of ZnO nanowire gas sensor, Appl. Phys. Lett., 84, 2004, pp. 3654-3656.
[9]. R. B. Waghulade, R. Pasricha, P. P. Patil, Synthesis, LPG sensing properties of nano-sized cadmium oxide,
Talanta, 72, 2007, pp. 594-599.

105
 Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 134, Issue 11, November 2011, pp. 95-106

[10].M. S. Wagh, G. H. Jain, D. R. Patil, S. A. Patil, L. A. Patil, Surface customization of SnO2 thick films using
RuO2 as a surfactant for the LPG response, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 122, 2, 2007, pp. 357-364.
[11].D. R. Patil, L. A. Patil Cr2O3-modified ZnO thick film resistors as LPG sensors, Talanta, 77, 2009,
pp. 1409-1414.
[12].D. R. Patil, L. A. Patil, G. H. Jain, M. S. Wagh, S. A. Patil, CuO-modified tin titanate thick film resistors as
H2-gas sensors, Sens.& Transducers, 74, 2006, pp. 874-883.
[13].The Hindu, Andhra Pradesh/Huderabad New. May 2007 and Times of India, Bangalore/Hyderabad 2007.
[14].X. Xie, Y. Li, Z. Q. Liu, M. Haruta, W. Shen, Low-temperature oxidation of CO catalysed by Co3O4 nanorod,
Nature, 458, 2009, pp. 746-749.
[15].W. Y. Li, L. N. Xu, J. Chem, Co3O4 nanomaterials in Lithium-ion batteries and gas sensors, Adv. Funct.
Mater., 15, 2005, pp. 851-857.
[16].D. Patil, P. Patil, V. Subramanian, P. A. Joy, H. S. Potdar, Highly sensitive and fast responding CO sensors
based on Co3O4 nanorod, Talanta, 81, 2010, pp. 87.
[17].P. P. Sahay, R. K. Nath, Al-doped zinc oxide thin films for liquid petroleum gas (LPG) sensors, Sensor and
Actuators B: Chemical, 133, 2008, pp. 222-227.
[18].K. M. Garadkar, B. S Shirke, Y. B. Patil. D. R. Patil Nanostrutured ZrO2 thick film resistors as H2 gas sensors
operable at room temperature, Sensors & Transducers, 110, 2009, pp. 17-25.
[19].S. Vijayanand, P. A. Joy, S. H. Potdar, D. Patil, P. Patil, Nanostructured spinal ZnCo2O4 for the detection of
LPG, Appl. Catal. A Gen., 146, 1996, pp. 255-267.
[20].T. Baird, K. C. Campbell, P. J. Holliman, R. W. Hoyle, M. Huxman, D. Stirling, B. P. Williams and
M. Morris, J. Mater. Chem., 9, 1999, pp. 599-605.
[21].K. Karthikeyan, D. Kalpana, N. G. Ranganathan, Synthesis and characterization of ZnCo2O4 nanomaterial for
symmetric supercapacitor applications, Ionic, 15, 2009, pp. 107-110.
[22].S. G. Christoskoa, M. Stojanova, M. Gerogieva, D. Mehandzhiev, study on the thermal stability of a high
CO-oxide used as low-temperature catalyst and oxidant for complete oxidation, Thermochim. Acta 292, 1997,
pp. 77-83.
[23].X. H. Wei, D. H. Chen, W. Tang, Preparation and characterization of the spinel xoide ZnCo2O4 obtained by
sol-gel method, Mater. Chem. Phys., 103, 2007, pp. 54-58.
[24]A. G. Shi, A. H. Hang, J. Fang, J. S. Chi, M. M. Wu, Chin Preparation and characterization of the spinel oxide
ZnCo2O4 obtained by sol–gel method, J. Inorg, Chem. Ind., 5, 2001, pp. 14.
[25].S. Trasatti, The Electrochemistry of Novel materials, VCH Publishers, Weinheim, 1994, p. 207.
[26].G. Y. Zhang, B. Guo, J. Chen, MCo2O4 (M = Ni, Cu, Zn) nanotube: template synthesis and application in gas
sensors, Sens. Actuators B, 114, 2006, pp. 402-409.
[27].X. Niu, W. Du, W. Du, preparation and gas sensing properties of ZnM2O4 (= Fe, Co, Cr), Sens. Actuators B,
99, 2004, pp. 405-409.
[28].W. Y. Chung, C. H. Shim, S. D. Choi, D. D Lee, Tin Oxide Micro sensor for LPG monitoring, Sens. Actuators
B, 20, 1994, pp. 139-143.
[29].V. A. Chaudhary, I. S. Mulla, K. Vijayamohanan, Impedance studies of an LPG sensor using surface
ruthenated tin oxide, Sens. Actuators B, 55, 1999, pp. 127-133.
[30].A. Srivastava, K. Jain, A. K. Reshmi, S. T. Srivastava, Laxmikumar, Mater. Chem. Phys., 97, 2006.
[31].Z. V. Marinkovic, L. Mancic, P. Vulic, O. Milosevic, The influence of mechanical activation on the
stiochometry and defect structure of a sintered ZnO-Cr2O3 system. Mater, Sci. Forum, 453, 2004, pp. 456-461.
[32].S. Levy, D. Diella, V. Pavese, A. Dapiaggi, M. Sani, A P-V equation of state, thermal expansion, and P-T
stabillity of synthetic (ZnCr2O4 spinel), Am. Mineral., 90, 2005, pp. 1157-1167.
[33].K. Omata, T. Takada, S. Kasahara, Active site of substituted cobalt spinel oxide for selective Oxidation of
CO/H2. Part 2nd., J. Appl. Catal. A: Gen., 146, 1996, pp. 255-267.

___________________

2011 Copyright ©, International Frequency Sensor Association (IFSA). All rights reserved.
(http://www.sensorsportal.com)

106
 Sensors & Transducers Journal

Guide for Contributors

Aims and Scope

Sensors & Transducers Journal (ISSN 1726-5479) provides an advanced forum for the science and technology
of physical, chemical sensors and biosensors. It publishes state-of-the-art reviews, regular research and
application specific papers, short notes, letters to Editor and sensors related books reviews as well as
academic, practical and commercial information of interest to its readership. Because of it is a peer reviewed
international journal, papers rapidly published in Sensors & Transducers Journal will receive a very high
publicity. The journal is published monthly as twelve issues per year by International Frequency Sensor
Association (IFSA). In additional, some special sponsored and conference issues published annually. Sensors &
Transducers Journal is indexed and abstracted very quickly by Chemical Abstracts, IndexCopernicus Journals
Master List, Open J-Gate, Google Scholar, etc. Since 2011 the journal is covered and indexed (including a
Scopus, Embase, Engineering Village and Reaxys) in Elsevier products.

Topics Covered

Contributions are invited on all aspects of research, development and application of the science and technology
of sensors, transducers and sensor instrumentations. Topics include, but are not restricted to:

 Physical, chemical and biosensors;

 Digital, frequency, period, duty-cycle, time interval, PWM, pulse number output sensors and
transducers;
 Theory, principles, effects, design, standardization and modeling;
 Smart sensors and systems;
 Sensor instrumentation;
 Virtual instruments;
 Sensors interfaces, buses and networks;
 Signal processing;
 Frequency (period, duty-cycle)-to-digital converters, ADC;
 Technologies and materials;
 Nanosensors;
 Microsystems;
 Applications.

Submission of papers

Articles should be written in English. Authors are invited to submit by e-mail editor@sensorsportal.com 8-14
pages article (including abstract, illustrations (color or grayscale), photos and references) in both: MS Word
(doc) and Acrobat (pdf) formats. Detailed preparation instructions, paper example and template of manuscript
are available from the journal’s webpage: http://www.sensorsportal.com/HTML/DIGEST/Submition.htm Authors
must follow the instructions strictly when submitting their manuscripts.

Advertising Information

Advertising orders and enquires may be sent to sales@sensorsportal.com Please download also our media kit:
http://www.sensorsportal.com/DOWNLOADS/Media_Kit_2011.pdf