Synthesis and characterization of nickel antimonate nanoparticles: sensing properties in propane and carbon monoxide

Nickel antimonate (NiSb₂O₆) was synthesized by a microwave-assisted wet chemical method for its application as a potential gas sensor. The powders calcined at 600 °C were corroborated by X-ray diffraction. The microstructure of the material was analyzed by electron microscopy in its scanning and transmission versions, finding different morphologies. The average size of the nanoparticles was estimated at ~ 14.3 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the bond energies for Ni (2p) were of 855.2 and 872.9 eV, for Sb, they were of 530.28 and 539.66 eV, and for O(1s), it overlapped the Sb at 530.28 eV. Photoluminescence and UV–Vis spectroscopy measurements confirmed that the emission energy values were of 2.8 and 1.4 eV. Tests carried out in propane and CO atmospheres indicated that the NiSb₂O₆ nanoparticles possess good response at several concentrations and temperatures of both gases. According to our results, NiSb₂O₆ is a strong candidate to be applied as a gas sensor.