The In2O3 nanocubes modified with RuO2 for detecting TXM vapors containing benzyl group

Abstract Indium oxide (In2O3) nanocubes modified by ruthenium oxide (RuO2) on the surface are successfully prepared through hydrothermal method, calcination and impregnation in turn. The sensing properties of RuO2-modified In2O3 sensing material are apparently enhanced with extremely low loading amount of RuO2. The response values of RuO2-modified In2O3 sensing material to TXM vapor containing benzyl group (including toluene, xylene and mesitylene) increase rapidly over other various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therein the RuO2-modified In2O3 sensor displays a 36-times increase in response value to mesitylene (100 ppm) in contrast to un-modification one at 255 °C. The optimum operating temperature (OOT) decreases obviously from 375 °C of pristine In2O3 one. The gas sensing enhancement mechanism can be explained by electronic and chemical sensitization. However, the reason for selectivity change will be (temporarily) investigated further later.