In₂O₃ Cauliflower Modified with Au Nanoparticles for O₃ Gas Detection at Room Temperature

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Sensing
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors are crucial for environmental and safety monitoring.
• Ozone (O3) detection is vital for air quality, medical sanitation, and food safety.
• Existing sensors often suffer from low sensitivity and high operating temperatures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize Au-modified In2O3 nanocomposites for enhanced ozone sensing.
• To investigate the sensing performance of Au-In2O3 at room temperature.
• To understand the mechanisms behind the improved sensing capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of In2O3.
• Surface modification with gold (Au) nanoparticles.
• Structural and morphological characterization (e.g., TEM, SEM).
• Chemiresistive gas sensing measurements at room temperature.

Main Results:

• Uniform dispersion of Au nanoparticles on In2O3 surface confirmed.
• Au-In2O3 sensor exhibited excellent O3 sensing performance at room temperature.
• A sensor with 1.0 wt% Au modification showed a response of 1398.4 to 1 ppm O3.
• Response/recovery times were significantly shortened (102/358 s).

Conclusions:

• Au-modified In2O3 nanocomposites demonstrate superior O3 sensing capabilities at room temperature.
• Synergistic effects of Au nanoparticles (spillover, Schottky junction) enhance performance.
• This material is a promising candidate for high-performance, low-temperature ozone sensors.