Hydrogen plasma treated iron vanadate nanoparticles for efficient ammonia sensing


Kavraz P., Bhardwaj A., Fischer T., Kuritka I., Dmonte D. J., Mathur S., ...More

Applied Surface Science, vol.722, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 722
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.165537
  • Journal Name: Applied Surface Science
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Ammonia sensor, Gas sensing, Hydrogen plasma, Iron vanadate, Nanoparticles
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the impact of hydrogen plasma treatment on the gas-sensing properties of iron vanadate (FeVO4) nanostructures. The FeVO4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol–gel method, followed by surface modification using hydrogen plasma. Both hydrogen plasma-treated (hp-FeVO4) and untreated (FeVO4) samples were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Gas sensing experiments revealed that hp-FeVO4 nanostructures exhibited a response to 50 ppm NH3 that was twice as high as that of untreated FeVO4 samples, highlighting the significant enhancement achieved through plasma surface engineering. Notably, the hp-FeVO4 sensor exhibited a response time of 72 s and a recovery time of 292 s, operating at a reduced temperature of 380 °C, possibly due to increased band bending on the plasma-treated surface. Moreover, the sensor exhibited promising repeatability, selectivity, and long-term stability without the need to incorporate noble metals. These findings highlight the strong potential of hydrogen plasma-modified iron vanadate for advanced gas sensing applications.