Nanoparticles Embedded In2O3 Microspheres for Selective and Quantitative Detection of NO2 Gas

Abstract

Harmful consequences on human health have been caused by the rapidly rising levels of environmentally hazardous gases. It is necessary to detect these polluting gases using a variety of methods. Nanoparticles engraved spherical-shaped indium oxide structures are synthesized via a simple one-step solvothermal method. The synthesized products were successfully characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM and XPS analysis. Nanoparticle embedded In2O3 microspheres are prepared for selective, quantitative and low concentration (1–10 ppm) of NO2 gas detection at operating temperature of 75 °C–250 °C. A high sensing response of 29 is observed at 10 ppm with sharp response and recovery times of 44 s and 56 s at 200 °C, respectively. The superior performances towards NO2 gas is attributed to the presence of plenty of junctions between nanoparticles-microspheres surfaces and high surface area for gas molecules interactions. The fabricated sensors are promised and potential applicants in the environmental pollution detection devices on industrial scale.