Theoretical Investigation of Ag-Cu Functionalized Mnfe₂O₄ Nanostructures for Enhanced Gas Sensing Applications

Abstract

Gas sensing materials based on semiconductor nanostructures have attracted significant scientific attention because of their wide applications in environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and healthcare systems . Ferrite nanomaterials are considered promising candidates for sensing applications because of their remarkable magnetic, catalytic, and electrical properties. In the present theoretical investigation, Ag-Cu functionalized MnFe₂O₄ nanostructures are proposed as potential sensing materials for hazardous gas detection applications such as NH₃ and CO gases. The incorporation of Ag and Cu bimetallic nanoparticles onto MnFe₂O₄ surfaces is theoretically expected to improve catalytic activity, gas adsorption behaviour, and charge transfer mechanisms. The proposed nanocomposite system may be synthesized through a co-precipitation approach followed by chemical reduction-assisted surface functionalization. Structural and morphological characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and UV-Visible spectroscopy are expected to confirm successful formation of the proposed Nano composites. Theoretical analysis suggests that Ag-Cu nanoparticles may significantly improve sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and response-recovery characteristics because of synergistic electronic interactions and enhanced surface adsorption processes. The sensing mechanism is expected to involve oxygen adsorption followed by electron depletion and resistance modulation during gas interaction. The present theoretical work may provide a useful framework for future experimental investigations involving ferrite-based bimetallic nanocomposite gas sensors.