Iulian Petrila | Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza Iasi (original) (raw)
Papers by Iulian Petrila
Materials Chemistry and Physics
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2020
Objective: Callosobruchus chinensis is a major pest that affects mung bean causing severe damage ... more Objective: Callosobruchus chinensis is a major pest that affects mung bean causing severe damage during storage. The objective of the present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of panchagavya in larvicidal activity on C. chinensis and its seed germination was observed. Methods: The methods used in this study were followed by observing the people at a remote village in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. This study is about the traditional knowledge of the use of cow urine in panchagavya described in Ayurveda and its application in seed preservation. Results: The ovicidal activity of panchagavya was remarkably good. The ability of ovicidal (instar) development into an adult beetle was found to be nothing. C. chinensis instar and adult beetle showed 100% mortality when treated with cow urine in small concentrations and good seed germination was observed. Conclusion: Panchagavya is potentially effective and eco-friendly in controlling beetles in grains storage and its enhanced seed germination.
Applied Surface Science, 2017
Highlights Reduced graphene oxide decorated with Fe doped SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized ... more Highlights Reduced graphene oxide decorated with Fe doped SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized The decoration of rGO layers with SnO2:Fe nanoparticles was highlited by TEM The reduction of graphene oxide was evidenced using XRD and FT-IR Sensitivity tests for relative humidity (RH) were carried out The composite sensor exhibited enhanced sensing response as compared with Fe:SnO2
Composites Part B Engineering
The purpose of this study was to analyze the methods and effects of introducing tungsten ions in ... more The purpose of this study was to analyze the methods and effects of introducing tungsten ions in a hexagonal barium ferrite structure by partial substitute of barium with tungsten. For this investigation we prepared a tungsten substitution on the barium hexaferrite Ba0.5W0.5Fe12O19 using sol–gel self-combustion technology. The powder was treated for 30 min, without atmosphere precautions, at 850 �C, 900 �C, 950 �C, 1000 �C and 1050 �C. Scanning electron microscopy has revealed the crystallite size and shape, and the X-ray diffraction was provided information related to the phase compositions. The investigation was focused on the variation of permittivity and electrical resistivity, in relation to the treatment temperature, frequency and humidity. We have also investigated the influence of thermal treatment on to Curie temperature and frequency characteristics of the relative permeability. Because barium–tungsten ferrite shows a porous structure, the measurements are strongly influen...
A new linear weighting method and a calibration technique tested comparatively to the proposed li... more A new linear weighting method and a calibration technique tested comparatively to the proposed linear method and to inverse distance weighting method are analyzed. The proposed methods are tested for temperature estimation in inter weather stations regions, with cumulative minimum deviations from the real values. The analysis reveals that for some weather stations configurations, with certain statistical characteristics, the linear method is more efficient than the optimal parameterized inverse distance weighting method. The methods can be also used in the estimation of other spatially distributed parameters.
This paper presents the results of an investigation on the magnetic and dielectric properties of ... more This paper presents the results of an investigation on the magnetic and dielectric properties of Mg0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 spinel ferrite with a 1% weight percentage of Li+ and K+ added cations. The addition of metal ions plays an important role in increasing the porosity and favors the formation of ferrite at low temperatures. The goal of this new research is to demonstrate that by selecting the type of metallic cations for addition or choosing an optimal sintering temperature, it may be possible to improve the magnetic and electrical properties of Mg-Zn ferrite. The samples were prepared using sol-gel self-combustion techniques and annealed at 1000 °C, 1100 °C, and 1200 °C. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the shape and grain size of the samples, and the phase composition was analyzed using the X-ray diffraction technique. The magnetic information, such as remanent magnetization MR, saturation magnetization MS, and coercivity HC, were extracted from the hysteresis loops of the samples....
Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2021
Abstract In this paper was investigated the effect of sintering temperature on a copper-zinc spin... more Abstract In this paper was investigated the effect of sintering temperature on a copper-zinc spinel ferrite, Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, synthesised by using a sol-gel self-combustion method, as material with possible to application in the field of humidity sensors. In order to highlight the influence of temperature treatment on the structure, electrical and magnetic properties, the powders of ferrite were annealed at various temperatures: 850 °C, 900 °C, 950 °C, 1000 °C and 1050 °C. For the analyzed samples, the X-ray diffraction investigations have revealed the phase composition and the average crystallite size. By using techniques scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were find the influence of the sintering temperature on some parameters like the porosity, homogeneity, shape and size of the crystallites. We have also investigated the temperature variation of the electrical conductivity, relative magnetic permeability and relative permittivity variation with frequency at room temperature. Finally, we analyzed the time response, variations of electrical conductivity and relative permittivity for various humidity levels and the perspectives of applicability copper-zinc spinel ferrite as humidity sensor.
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2020
In this study, pristine and Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) namely FexCe1−xO2 (x = 0, 0.2, and ... more In this study, pristine and Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) namely FexCe1−xO2 (x = 0, 0.2, and 0.4) were synthesized through a facile chemical route. Different characterization techniques confirmed formation of NPs with desired morphology and chemical composition. Moreover, optical properties, bandgap, and functional groups were studied. The sensors were fabricated from the synthesized NPs and their relative humidity sensing was investigated. It was found that Fe0.4Ce0.6O2 revealed the best sensing properties where it showed a maximum response of ~ 83.94% to 100% RH, and its response and recovery times were 5 and 17 s, respectively.
Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2020
Abstract Neodymium-doped iron oxide (Nd–Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized via chemical co-p... more Abstract Neodymium-doped iron oxide (Nd–Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method where particle size is reduced due to the neodymium doping. The addition of neodymium doping, the applied thermal energy of Fe2O3 changes the dielectric constant and loss. At this juncture, the dielectric constant increases due to the elevation of neodymium concentration and thermal energy which eventually reduces the dielectric value. On comparison of dielectric performance, the pristine Fe2O3 endows a high dielectric constant and loss in comparison to Nd–Fe2O3. Neodymium induces the transition from antiferromagnetic to superparamagnetic. The as-fabricated sensors confirm humidity sensing at different ranges. Fascinatingly, the sensitivity of the sensor has increased owing to the increase of neodymium substitution and decrease of particle size while the response time is decreased. The sensors confirm outstanding performance in corrosive environment and their response and sensitivity time values are respectively 5s and 85%.
RSC Advances, 2020
Herein, we report the chemiresistive gas and humidity sensing properties of pristine and nickel-d... more Herein, we report the chemiresistive gas and humidity sensing properties of pristine and nickel-doped tin oxide (Ni-SnO2) gas sensors prepared by a microwave-assisted wet chemical method.
Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2015
Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 2019
Abstract Cerium (pure) and copper-substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by micr... more Abstract Cerium (pure) and copper-substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by microwave oven method. Powder X-ray diffraction showed that particle size was reduced with increases in copper content, termed the “particle size effect”. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that particle formation was spherical. Miniature sizes of nanoparticles were in the range ~4–10 nm and were identified from typical TEM microstructures. Absorption peaks were reduced as result of copper content and binding energy was also reduced, which decreased the particle size. The particle size effect produced significant changes in humidity sensing, copper-substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles had better humidity-sensing behavior than pure cerium oxide. Reproducibility of the sensor produced notable sensing characteristics.
Journal of Electronic Materials, 2019
In this work, pristine and tin substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs) namely Ce1−xSnxO2, x ... more In this work, pristine and tin substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs) namely Ce1−xSnxO2, x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, were prepared by a simple microwave synthesis method for humidity sensing studies. Different characterization methods such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis demonstrated the formation of spherical NPs with an approximate crystalline size of 5–10 nm, desirable chemical composition and presence of oxygen defects. Also, optical measurements results demonstrated the increase of the band gap energy in tin substituted NPs due to formation of intermediate energy levels as a result of tin substitution. Furthermore, humidity sensing studies showed a high response of the fabricated sensors to humidity as a result of very small particle sizes along with the presence of tin in cerium oxide NPs. Finally, the fabricated humidity sensors showed a very good reproducibility of 95%. The results of this study confirm the possibility of realization of highly sensitive humidity sensors based on tin substituted cerium oxide NPs for application in real environments.
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2018
The Li–NiFe2O4 nanoparticles have been prepared via simple cost effective chemical co-precipitati... more The Li–NiFe2O4 nanoparticles have been prepared via simple cost effective chemical co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction analysis affirms the cubic spinel structure and particle size is ~ 32 nm. SEM and TEM analysis were revealed the needle shape of nanoparticles with agglomeration. XPS and FT-IR spectrum confirmed composition and usual behaviour of spinel ferrites. Band gap energy of material is 3.62 eV that imply semiconducting nature. Humidity sensor analysis is carried out three different environments in order to test the influence of medium stress factors on sensors parameters. Under these environments, Li–NiFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibit well sensing nature. Besides, the material displays high sensitivity at ideal environments and good stability in real environments. The results also show interesting characteristics of the maturing and aging process of humidity sensors.
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2019
Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 2018
2016 20th International Conference on System Theory, Control and Computing (ICSTCC), 2016
In this study, the effects of missing or broken elements on the memory preservation in classical ... more In this study, the effects of missing or broken elements on the memory preservation in classical and quantum neural networks are analyzed. The networks were built by considering each node as a bit or qubit neuron-like processing unit. The qubit-neurons are analyzed from two perspectives, one that involves consideration of quantum coupling between them alongside with specific network connections and another that uses only non quantum network connections between them. The same classical architecture and learning are applied to both networks that contain classical and quantum nodes. The analysis of memory preservation in such networks consists in monitoring changes in memory states as results of interruption of different connections between nodes. From this perspective, the comparative classical and quantum network response to broken or missing elements are analyzed, compared and contextualized.
2016 20th International Conference on System Theory, Control and Computing (ICSTCC), 2016
Human nature can be interpreted in many different ways by philosophy, cognitive and neuro-science... more Human nature can be interpreted in many different ways by philosophy, cognitive and neuro-sciences, each of which has its own special merit and contribution to the reformation of mankind. Consciousness and experience are the most central aspects of our mental lives and key concepts in the science of mind. In this work, we propose a novel description of complex human behaviors and a new view of consciousness and experience arising from the evolution of a multi-dimensional world. In this world, agents continuously construct and deconstruct their own reality in order to learn and accomplish goals. Using ICE agent-based modeling, we build DICE, a new agent for learning games using evolutionary computation with Pareto-ranking. We evaluate DICE on Checkers game and show that it produces richer experiences than human players normally have with this game.
Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2016
Abstract Light rare earths zirconates Ln2Zr2O7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) from preparation to ... more Abstract Light rare earths zirconates Ln2Zr2O7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) from preparation to sensor application are analyzed. The materials were produced by liquid route and dried through three calcinations processes. XRD and SEM investigations were used to certify the composition and microstructure. The electrical investigation on different humidity conditions was performed at different frequency in order to highlight rare earths zirconates compositions suitable for sensor applications. Humidity sensors with light rare earths zirconates as active elements were investigated, obtaining high sensitivities, short response and recovery times, especially for zirconates materials with Ln elements based on right side of light rare earths group. The correlation between sensors characteristics and active material properties are also investigated. Due their high chemical and physical stability, humidity sensors based on light rare earths zirconates compositions are useful for monitoring corrosive environments.
Materials Chemistry and Physics
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2020
Objective: Callosobruchus chinensis is a major pest that affects mung bean causing severe damage ... more Objective: Callosobruchus chinensis is a major pest that affects mung bean causing severe damage during storage. The objective of the present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of panchagavya in larvicidal activity on C. chinensis and its seed germination was observed. Methods: The methods used in this study were followed by observing the people at a remote village in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. This study is about the traditional knowledge of the use of cow urine in panchagavya described in Ayurveda and its application in seed preservation. Results: The ovicidal activity of panchagavya was remarkably good. The ability of ovicidal (instar) development into an adult beetle was found to be nothing. C. chinensis instar and adult beetle showed 100% mortality when treated with cow urine in small concentrations and good seed germination was observed. Conclusion: Panchagavya is potentially effective and eco-friendly in controlling beetles in grains storage and its enhanced seed germination.
Applied Surface Science, 2017
Highlights Reduced graphene oxide decorated with Fe doped SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized ... more Highlights Reduced graphene oxide decorated with Fe doped SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized The decoration of rGO layers with SnO2:Fe nanoparticles was highlited by TEM The reduction of graphene oxide was evidenced using XRD and FT-IR Sensitivity tests for relative humidity (RH) were carried out The composite sensor exhibited enhanced sensing response as compared with Fe:SnO2
Composites Part B Engineering
The purpose of this study was to analyze the methods and effects of introducing tungsten ions in ... more The purpose of this study was to analyze the methods and effects of introducing tungsten ions in a hexagonal barium ferrite structure by partial substitute of barium with tungsten. For this investigation we prepared a tungsten substitution on the barium hexaferrite Ba0.5W0.5Fe12O19 using sol–gel self-combustion technology. The powder was treated for 30 min, without atmosphere precautions, at 850 �C, 900 �C, 950 �C, 1000 �C and 1050 �C. Scanning electron microscopy has revealed the crystallite size and shape, and the X-ray diffraction was provided information related to the phase compositions. The investigation was focused on the variation of permittivity and electrical resistivity, in relation to the treatment temperature, frequency and humidity. We have also investigated the influence of thermal treatment on to Curie temperature and frequency characteristics of the relative permeability. Because barium–tungsten ferrite shows a porous structure, the measurements are strongly influen...
A new linear weighting method and a calibration technique tested comparatively to the proposed li... more A new linear weighting method and a calibration technique tested comparatively to the proposed linear method and to inverse distance weighting method are analyzed. The proposed methods are tested for temperature estimation in inter weather stations regions, with cumulative minimum deviations from the real values. The analysis reveals that for some weather stations configurations, with certain statistical characteristics, the linear method is more efficient than the optimal parameterized inverse distance weighting method. The methods can be also used in the estimation of other spatially distributed parameters.
This paper presents the results of an investigation on the magnetic and dielectric properties of ... more This paper presents the results of an investigation on the magnetic and dielectric properties of Mg0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 spinel ferrite with a 1% weight percentage of Li+ and K+ added cations. The addition of metal ions plays an important role in increasing the porosity and favors the formation of ferrite at low temperatures. The goal of this new research is to demonstrate that by selecting the type of metallic cations for addition or choosing an optimal sintering temperature, it may be possible to improve the magnetic and electrical properties of Mg-Zn ferrite. The samples were prepared using sol-gel self-combustion techniques and annealed at 1000 °C, 1100 °C, and 1200 °C. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the shape and grain size of the samples, and the phase composition was analyzed using the X-ray diffraction technique. The magnetic information, such as remanent magnetization MR, saturation magnetization MS, and coercivity HC, were extracted from the hysteresis loops of the samples....
Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2021
Abstract In this paper was investigated the effect of sintering temperature on a copper-zinc spin... more Abstract In this paper was investigated the effect of sintering temperature on a copper-zinc spinel ferrite, Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, synthesised by using a sol-gel self-combustion method, as material with possible to application in the field of humidity sensors. In order to highlight the influence of temperature treatment on the structure, electrical and magnetic properties, the powders of ferrite were annealed at various temperatures: 850 °C, 900 °C, 950 °C, 1000 °C and 1050 °C. For the analyzed samples, the X-ray diffraction investigations have revealed the phase composition and the average crystallite size. By using techniques scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were find the influence of the sintering temperature on some parameters like the porosity, homogeneity, shape and size of the crystallites. We have also investigated the temperature variation of the electrical conductivity, relative magnetic permeability and relative permittivity variation with frequency at room temperature. Finally, we analyzed the time response, variations of electrical conductivity and relative permittivity for various humidity levels and the perspectives of applicability copper-zinc spinel ferrite as humidity sensor.
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2020
In this study, pristine and Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) namely FexCe1−xO2 (x = 0, 0.2, and ... more In this study, pristine and Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) namely FexCe1−xO2 (x = 0, 0.2, and 0.4) were synthesized through a facile chemical route. Different characterization techniques confirmed formation of NPs with desired morphology and chemical composition. Moreover, optical properties, bandgap, and functional groups were studied. The sensors were fabricated from the synthesized NPs and their relative humidity sensing was investigated. It was found that Fe0.4Ce0.6O2 revealed the best sensing properties where it showed a maximum response of ~ 83.94% to 100% RH, and its response and recovery times were 5 and 17 s, respectively.
Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2020
Abstract Neodymium-doped iron oxide (Nd–Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized via chemical co-p... more Abstract Neodymium-doped iron oxide (Nd–Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method where particle size is reduced due to the neodymium doping. The addition of neodymium doping, the applied thermal energy of Fe2O3 changes the dielectric constant and loss. At this juncture, the dielectric constant increases due to the elevation of neodymium concentration and thermal energy which eventually reduces the dielectric value. On comparison of dielectric performance, the pristine Fe2O3 endows a high dielectric constant and loss in comparison to Nd–Fe2O3. Neodymium induces the transition from antiferromagnetic to superparamagnetic. The as-fabricated sensors confirm humidity sensing at different ranges. Fascinatingly, the sensitivity of the sensor has increased owing to the increase of neodymium substitution and decrease of particle size while the response time is decreased. The sensors confirm outstanding performance in corrosive environment and their response and sensitivity time values are respectively 5s and 85%.
RSC Advances, 2020
Herein, we report the chemiresistive gas and humidity sensing properties of pristine and nickel-d... more Herein, we report the chemiresistive gas and humidity sensing properties of pristine and nickel-doped tin oxide (Ni-SnO2) gas sensors prepared by a microwave-assisted wet chemical method.
Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2015
Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 2019
Abstract Cerium (pure) and copper-substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by micr... more Abstract Cerium (pure) and copper-substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by microwave oven method. Powder X-ray diffraction showed that particle size was reduced with increases in copper content, termed the “particle size effect”. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that particle formation was spherical. Miniature sizes of nanoparticles were in the range ~4–10 nm and were identified from typical TEM microstructures. Absorption peaks were reduced as result of copper content and binding energy was also reduced, which decreased the particle size. The particle size effect produced significant changes in humidity sensing, copper-substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles had better humidity-sensing behavior than pure cerium oxide. Reproducibility of the sensor produced notable sensing characteristics.
Journal of Electronic Materials, 2019
In this work, pristine and tin substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs) namely Ce1−xSnxO2, x ... more In this work, pristine and tin substituted cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs) namely Ce1−xSnxO2, x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, were prepared by a simple microwave synthesis method for humidity sensing studies. Different characterization methods such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis demonstrated the formation of spherical NPs with an approximate crystalline size of 5–10 nm, desirable chemical composition and presence of oxygen defects. Also, optical measurements results demonstrated the increase of the band gap energy in tin substituted NPs due to formation of intermediate energy levels as a result of tin substitution. Furthermore, humidity sensing studies showed a high response of the fabricated sensors to humidity as a result of very small particle sizes along with the presence of tin in cerium oxide NPs. Finally, the fabricated humidity sensors showed a very good reproducibility of 95%. The results of this study confirm the possibility of realization of highly sensitive humidity sensors based on tin substituted cerium oxide NPs for application in real environments.
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2018
The Li–NiFe2O4 nanoparticles have been prepared via simple cost effective chemical co-precipitati... more The Li–NiFe2O4 nanoparticles have been prepared via simple cost effective chemical co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction analysis affirms the cubic spinel structure and particle size is ~ 32 nm. SEM and TEM analysis were revealed the needle shape of nanoparticles with agglomeration. XPS and FT-IR spectrum confirmed composition and usual behaviour of spinel ferrites. Band gap energy of material is 3.62 eV that imply semiconducting nature. Humidity sensor analysis is carried out three different environments in order to test the influence of medium stress factors on sensors parameters. Under these environments, Li–NiFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibit well sensing nature. Besides, the material displays high sensitivity at ideal environments and good stability in real environments. The results also show interesting characteristics of the maturing and aging process of humidity sensors.
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2019
Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 2018
2016 20th International Conference on System Theory, Control and Computing (ICSTCC), 2016
In this study, the effects of missing or broken elements on the memory preservation in classical ... more In this study, the effects of missing or broken elements on the memory preservation in classical and quantum neural networks are analyzed. The networks were built by considering each node as a bit or qubit neuron-like processing unit. The qubit-neurons are analyzed from two perspectives, one that involves consideration of quantum coupling between them alongside with specific network connections and another that uses only non quantum network connections between them. The same classical architecture and learning are applied to both networks that contain classical and quantum nodes. The analysis of memory preservation in such networks consists in monitoring changes in memory states as results of interruption of different connections between nodes. From this perspective, the comparative classical and quantum network response to broken or missing elements are analyzed, compared and contextualized.
2016 20th International Conference on System Theory, Control and Computing (ICSTCC), 2016
Human nature can be interpreted in many different ways by philosophy, cognitive and neuro-science... more Human nature can be interpreted in many different ways by philosophy, cognitive and neuro-sciences, each of which has its own special merit and contribution to the reformation of mankind. Consciousness and experience are the most central aspects of our mental lives and key concepts in the science of mind. In this work, we propose a novel description of complex human behaviors and a new view of consciousness and experience arising from the evolution of a multi-dimensional world. In this world, agents continuously construct and deconstruct their own reality in order to learn and accomplish goals. Using ICE agent-based modeling, we build DICE, a new agent for learning games using evolutionary computation with Pareto-ranking. We evaluate DICE on Checkers game and show that it produces richer experiences than human players normally have with this game.
Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2016
Abstract Light rare earths zirconates Ln2Zr2O7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) from preparation to ... more Abstract Light rare earths zirconates Ln2Zr2O7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) from preparation to sensor application are analyzed. The materials were produced by liquid route and dried through three calcinations processes. XRD and SEM investigations were used to certify the composition and microstructure. The electrical investigation on different humidity conditions was performed at different frequency in order to highlight rare earths zirconates compositions suitable for sensor applications. Humidity sensors with light rare earths zirconates as active elements were investigated, obtaining high sensitivities, short response and recovery times, especially for zirconates materials with Ln elements based on right side of light rare earths group. The correlation between sensors characteristics and active material properties are also investigated. Due their high chemical and physical stability, humidity sensors based on light rare earths zirconates compositions are useful for monitoring corrosive environments.