6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Comparative gas sensing performance of LaFeO3 and SmFeO3 perovskite nanoparticles prepared by Hydrothermal Method .

8 Jul 2026, 16:20
1h 20m
Great Hall ( University of the Western Cape)

Great Hall

University of the Western Cape

Poster Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Poster Session 2

Speaker

Philani Kunene (University of Zululand)

Description

Lanthanum- and samarium-based perovskites with the general formula ABO₃ were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. Structural characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of pure-phase LaFeO₃ and SmFeO₃, with crystallite sizes increasing from 10 nm to 19 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) further verified the perovskite structure, revealing a lattice spacing (d-spacing) of 0.232 nm. UV–Vis analysis indicated a slight increase in band gap energy for the samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed predominantly spherical nanoparticles. Gas sensing measurements demonstrated that the SmFeO₃-based sensor exhibited higher sensitivity toward volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to flammable gases. Additionally, the sensor showed good selectivity, repeatability, and stability. Notably, the SmFeO₃ sensor achieved a limit of detection (LoD) of approximately 2 ppm for NO₂ gas at an operating temperature of 125 °C.

Author

Philani Kunene (University of Zululand)

Co-authors

Dr Ceboliyazakha Ndlangamandla (University of Zululand) Prince Mkwae (University of Zululand) Mr Siphamandla Masilane (University of Zululand) Mr Sunday Ogundipe (University of Zululand)

Presentation materials

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