Dan Han

Flower-like In2O3 hierarchical nanostructures: synthesis, characterization, and gas sensing properties

Hierarchical In2O3 nanostructures with flower-like morphology were synthesized by annealing In(OH)3 precursors prepared via a one-step hydrothermal method using the mixed solution of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and deionized water as solvent. The crystal structure and morphology of the obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption analyses. The results revealed that the synthesized flower-like In2O3 hierarchical nanostructures were constructed from In2O3 nanoplates which connected with each other to form flower-like architecture. On the basis of experimental results, a possible mechanism for the formation of flower-like In2O3 hierarchical nanostructures was considered. Moreover, gas sensing investigation showed that the sensor based on flower-like In2O3 hierarchical nanostructures exhibited a superior response, good selectivity and stability to ethanol gas. The enhancement in gas sensing properties was attributed to their unique structure, large surface areas, and more surface active sites.