Improvement toluene detection of gas sensors based on flower-like porous indium oxide nanosheets

In this study, by applying a hydrothermal method with a subsequent in situ reduction treatment, Ag/Pd@In2O3-based sensitive materials were designed and synthesised to investigate toluene sensing performance (e.g. optimum operating temperature, selectivity, response/recovery time and long-term stability). The samples presented the gas-accessible structure with hollow micro-flowers assembled by abundant porous nanosheets. The as-synthesised Ag0.4Pd0.6@In2O3 sensors possessed an ultra-high response (15.9-1 ppm) towards toluene gas at a low operating temperature (180 degrees C), with a short response/recovery time (7/13 s) and low detection limit (20 ppb). Additionally, excellent reproducibility and selectivity was acquired after a series of tests. Moreover, the underlying sensing mechanism of the Ag0.4Pd0.6@In2O3 sensor to toluene gas was also thoroughly explained. Overall, the findings of this study open a pathway for detecting toluene gas with low cost and more competitiveness and significantly benefit to public safety monitoring and health care. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

By applying a hydrothermal method with in situ reduction treatment, sensitive Ag/Pd@In2O3-based materials were designed and synthesised for toluene sensing performance investigation. The synthesized sensors showed high response, short recovery time, low detection limit, excellent reproducibility, and selectivity towards toluene gas. Overall, this study opens a pathway for cost-effective and competitive detection of toluene gas, benefiting public safety monitoring and health care.