Synthesis of Diacid-Assisted Indium Oxide Nanoparticles and Its CO Gas Sensing Activity

Indium oxide (In2O3) is an extreme wide band-gap oxide material with unique electronic and optical properties that is used widely in solar cells, gas sensors and optoelectronic devices. In this study, two types of In2O3 nanostructures were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method using succinic acid (SA) or malonic acid (MA) as the assistant agents. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffractions and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM of the products showed that the In2O3 nanostructures prepared in the presence of SA have a typical cubic morphology with a length and height of -30 nm, whereas the In2O3 nanostructures synthesized in the presence of MA has an atypical rock shape, length and height of 30 -300 nm. Gas sensitivity measurements suggested that both In2O3 sensors (operated at 350 degrees C) have a good response to carbon monoxide (CO) compared to the commercial In2O3 nanoparticles. The SA-In2O3 sensor showed a shorter response time and stronger response than the MA-In2O3 sensor, suggesting that the improved gas sensing performance can be attributed mainly to the surface area.