Nonaqueous synthesis of Pd-functionalized SnO2/In2O3 nanocomposites for excellent butane sensing properties

Abstract This article reports a new option, SnO2/In2O3 nanocomposites, for butane detection synthesized by a simple nonaqueous synthesis. A small particle of 3–5 nm and a high specific surface area (around 123.47 m2/g) are obtained. To further enhance the sensing properties, a wide Pd functionalization was investigated. It is revealed that the as-synthesized 7 at% Pd-functionalized SnO2/In2O3 nanocomposites exhibits high response of 71.28 towards 3000 ppm butane at optimal operating temperature of 320 °C. Furthermore, rapid response (3.51 s) and recovery (7.86 s) time, wide detection range (1–3000 ppm), and good selectivity in general flammable gases are observed. Besides the native nature of both SnO2 and In2O3, the excellent sensing properties can be plausibly explained by the synergistic effects arising from the simultaneous presence of these multiple functional materials, i.e. the high specific surface area, the formation of the heterojunctions, the mutual doping effect, and the influence of Pd nanoparticles.