Hydrothermal synthesis and humidity sensing property of ZnO nanostructures and ZnOIn(OH)3 nanocomposites

► Template free hydrothermal preparation of prism- and raspberry-like ZnO nanoparticles and ZnOIn(OH)3 nanocomposites. ► Adding rate of hydrolyzing agent affects the morphology of ZnO. ► Significant increase in visible PL emission of samples due to nanocomposite formation. ► Water vapor adsorption of samples strongly depends on the morphology of ZnO and on the concentration of In(OH)3.