Template-free synthesis of novel In2O3 nanostructures and their application to gas sensors

In this work, a novel flower-like indium hydroxide (In(OH)3) structure was fabricated using a hydrothermal method, without any templates or surfactants. In2O3 with similar morphology was formed by annealing precursors In(OH)3. The as-synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that the synthesized flower-like In2O3 were formed by porous nanosheets. Moreover, the gas sensing properties of as-prepared products were investigated. It was found that the sensor based on such novel In2O3 nanostructure exhibited high response and good selectivity to NO2.