Synthesis of Bi2O2CO3/In(OH)3•xH2O nanocomposites for isopropanol sensor with excellent performances at low temperature

The ability to detect a volatile organic compound in real-time, such as isopropanol (IPA) gas, is critical for human health and safety protection, especially since the sensor can operate at low temperatures and behave outstanding sensing performances. Herein, the Bi2O2CO3/In(OH)(3)center dot xH(2)O nanocomposites are synthesized using a two-step hydrothermal process, particularly the surfaces of Bi2O2CO3 (BCO) nanosheets were embellished with In (OH)(3)center dot xH(2)O nanoparticles. It is found that the BCO/In(OH)(3)center dot xH(2)O sensors exhibit an excellent response of 20.39, wide concentration detection range from 1 to 1000 ppm, the working temperature as low as 100 degrees C, and the rapid response/recovery times of 5 s and 4 s towards 100 ppm IPA. On the other hand, the selectivity of the BCO/In (OH)(3)center dot xH(2)O sensor towards IPA is eye-catching. In particular, the enhanced IPA sensing performances might be attributed to the large specific area (52.46 m(2)/g). The increased conductivity of BCO/In(OH)(3)center dot xH(2)O nano composites due to incorporation of the In(OH)(3)center dot xH(2)O, which can significantly promote the surface-catalyzed reaction between oxygen species such as O- and IPA molecules.

Automated summary

In this study, Bi2O2CO3/In(OH)(3)·xH2O nanocomposites were synthesized using a two-step hydrothermal process and applied for the detection of isopropanol gas. The results showed that the sensors based on the nanocomposites exhibited outstanding sensing performances with excellent response, wide concentration detection range, low working temperature, and high selectivity towards isopropanol.