NO2-SENSITIVE LAFEO3 FILM PREPARED BY THERMAL-DECOMPOSITION OF THE HETERONUCLEAR COMPLEX, (LA[FE(CN)6].5H2O)(X)

Phase pure perovskite-type LaFeO3 powders have been prepared by the thermal decomposition of a cyanide-bridged heteronuclear complex. Formation of the perovskite was confirmed for the sample sintered in air at 300-degrees-C for 1 h. The mean particle diameter and the specific surface area were 200 nm and 5 m2 g-1, respectively, (sample density = 6.67 g cm-3) for the LaFeO3 obtained by calcining at 1000-degrees-C. The conductivity of an LaFeO3 thick film formed by sintering at 1000-degrees-C, increased when the measuring atmosphere was changed from air to NO2, and returned to the original level after NO2 was removed above 350-degrees-C. The mechanical strength of the film was improved by sintering with glass resin.