Synthesis, electrochemical and gas sensing properties of In2O3 nanostructures with different morphologies

The In2O3 nanostructures with different morphologies including nanowires, nanobelts, nanotubes and nanoparticles have been prepared through a two-step route that involves a nitridation and re-oxidation treatment using commercial In2O3 powders as the starting material. The structural examinations reveal that the synthesized In2O3 nanostructures are polycrystals composed of a large quantity of nanoparticles with smaller crystal sizes than that of the starting material. The electrochemical properties of the In2O3 nanostructures working as electrodes of Li-ion batteries are investigated and the increase of charge capacity has been observed. The In2O3 nanostructures present the improved gas sensitivity compared with that of the In2O3 raw material. Moreover, the synthesized In2O3 nanoparticle gas sensor exhibits excellent selectivity to NO2.