Biomolecule-assisted synthesis and gas-sensing properties of porous nanosheet-based corundum In2O3 microflowers

Porous nanosheet-based corundum In2O3 microflowers were fabricated by one-pot hydrothermal treatment of D-fructose and In(NO3)(3) mixture using urea as a precipitating agent followed by calcination. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of D-fructose and urea on the fabrication of nanosheet-based corundum In2O3 microflowers were investigated and a possible mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of the hierarchical nanostructures. The gas sensor based on the In2O3 microflowers exhibits excellent sensing properties for the detection of formaldehyde. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.