In<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> nanocubes modified with RuO<inf>2</inf> for detection of TXM vapors containing benzyl group

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 significantly enhanced even with low loading amount. The response values of RuO2-modified In2O3 sensing material to TXM vapor containing benzyl group (including toluene, xylene and mesitylene) increase rapidly when compared to 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-modified 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.