Electrospun Nickel Manganite (NiMn2O4) Nanocrystalline Fibers for Humidity and Temperature Sensing

Nickel manganite nanocrystalline fibers were obtained by electrospinning and subsequent calcination at 400 degrees C. As-spun fibers were characterized by TG/DTA, Scanning Electron Microscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of nickel manganite with a cubic spinel structure, while N-2 physisorption at 77 K enabled determination of the BET specific surface area as 25.3 m(2)/g and (BJH) mesopore volume as 21.5 m(2)/g. The material constant (B) of the nanocrystalline nickel manganite fibers applied by drop-casting on test interdigitated electrodes on alumina substrate, dried at room temperature, was determined as 4379 K in the 20-50 degrees C temperature range and a temperature sensitivity of -4.95%/K at room temperature (25 degrees C). The change of impedance with relative humidity was monitored at 25 and 50 degrees C for a relative humidity (RH) change of 40 to 90% in the 42 Hz pi 1 MHz frequency range. At 100 Hz and 25 degrees C, the sensitivity of 327.36 +/- 80.12 k omega/%RH was determined, showing that nickel manganite obtained by electrospinning has potential as a multifunctional material for combined humidity and temperature sensing.