A nonaqueous sol–gel route to synthesize CdIn2O4 nanoparticles for the improvement of formaldehyde-sensing performance

CdIn2O4 nanoparticles with crystallite sizes of about 10 nm were prepared by a nonaqueous sol–gel route involving the reaction of cadmium acetate and indium isopropoxide in benzyl alcohol. The as-fabricated sensor based on CdIn2O4 nanoparticles showed a strong and fast response to and rapid recovery time from formaldehyde gas. Compared with the sensor fabricated with CdIn2O4 powders prepared via a high-temperature solid-state route, the results show that CdIn2O4 nanoparticles sensor has about a 26-fold increase in response and a good dynamic response.