The enhanced n-butanol sensing performance of In2O3 loaded NiO cuboid heterostructure

Author(s)

Perrone, Olavo M. ; Roveda Jr, Antonio C. ; de Moraes, Daniel A. ; Volanti, Diogo P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Alloys and Compounds; v. 930, p. 8-pg., 2023-01-05.

Abstract

Monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) quickly and on-site is essential for preserving human health. The semiconductor gas sensor has been a promising strategy for detecting VOCs. However, stability, selectivity, and sensitivity are crucial for the practical application of a gas-sensor material. Innovative synthetic methods have been studied to improve the properties of sensor materials, such as better detection and stability and the construction of p-n heterojunction materials. In this work, NiO/In2O3 heterostructure was synthesized by fast microwave-assisted solvothermal (MAS) using nickel foam and indium nitrate and was studied as a gas sensor for detecting several VOCs. NiO/In2O3 has the combined properties of NiO, a ptype material, and of In2O3, an n-type. NiO/In2O3 presented a superior performance for detecting n-butanol at the ideal operating temperature (350 degrees C), with a fast response (6 s), good selectivity, and stability. The nButanol response at 100 ppm was R-a/R-g = 412 +/- 16, and a linear detection range from 1 to 200 ppm was achieved. The best sensing response for this material towards n-butanol is attributed to the electron depletion layer caused by NiO/In2O3 junction and more adsorption sites obtained during fast MAS synthesis. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/11058-6 - Gas sensors based on carbon composites from the catalytic decomposition reaction of methane
• Grantee: Olavo Micali Perrone
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/06421-1 - Development of sensors derived from metal-organic frameworks to detect microbial volatile organic compounds
• Grantee: Diogo Paschoalini Volanti
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/01258-5 - Novel chemical catalytic and photocatalytic processes for the direct conversion of methane and CO2 to products
• Grantee: José Maria Correa Bueno
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants