LAUSR

Abstract Y2O3-In2O3 nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared via simple co-precipitation and sol-gel processes. Prepared pure Y2O3, In2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) and Y2O3-In2O3 NCs were subjected to their structural, morphological, and compositional characterization via XRD, XPS, FESEM and TEM, and EDS respectively. Results revealed the perfect phase formation and desired composition of the samples. Gas sensing studies of Y2O3, In2O3 NPs and Y2O3-In2O3 NCs were performed under room conditions and observed that the Y2O3-In2O3 sensor has shown excellent response towards methanol at room temperature (RT). The response of ~923 and 3.722 were observed for Y2O3-In2O3 towards 200 ppm and 1 ppm methanol respectively. Response/recovery time of Y2O3-In2O3 sensor was also calculated. Overall Y2O3-In2O3 gas sensor has shown high response, sharp response/recovery time (13/18 s), good selectivity towards methanol and high stability. The mechanism involved in these improved gas sensing properties of Y2O3-In2O3 sensor has been described in detail.