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Published on: August 29, 2025
Multifunctional Sensors Based on Doped Indium Oxide Nanocrystals
Chang Shu1, Nan Zhang2,3, Yiyuan Gao1
1Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China.
This study presents a multifunctional sensor using tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanocrystals for simultaneous ultraviolet/infrared photodetection and nitrogen dioxide gas sensing at room temperature. The device demonstrates high performance, paving the way for advanced health monitoring and human-machine interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Growing demand for multifunctional sensors in health monitoring and human-machine interfaces.
- Need for integrated devices capable of detecting multiple stimuli like radiation and gases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a multifunctional sensor based on tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanocrystals.
- To achieve dual-band UV/IR photodetection and light-activated NO2 gas sensing at room temperature.
- To investigate the impact of surface ligands and annealing on sensor performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of ITO nanocrystal (NC) based devices.
- Investigation of surface ligand (1,2-ethanedithiol) and annealing effects.
- Characterization of photodetection and gas sensing properties under UV and IR illumination.
- Evaluation of sensor performance in dark and under UV light for NO2 detection.
Main Results:
- ITO NCs capped with 1,2-ethanedithiol exhibited high responsivity and detectivity for both UV and IR detection.
- Light activation significantly enhanced NO2 sensing performance, including response, recovery speed, and lower detection limit.
- Achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) for NO2 (219 ppb) under UV illumination, below OSHA exposure limits.
Conclusions:
- Developed a versatile ITO NC-based sensor for dual-band photodetection and efficient, light-activated NO2 sensing.
- Demonstrated the potential for low-cost, integrated multifunctional devices for environmental and health monitoring.
- Highlighted the importance of surface chemistry and processing in optimizing sensor performance.
