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·xH₂O nanocomposites are synthesized using a two-step hydrothermal process, particularly the surfaces of Bi₂O₂CO₃ (BCO) nanosheets were embellished with In(OH)₃·xH₂O nanoparticles. It is found that the BCO/In(OH)₃·xH₂O sensors exhibit an excellent response of 20.39, wide concentration detection range from 1 to 1000 ppm, the working temperature as low as 100 ºC, 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·xH₂O sensor towards IPA is eye-catching. In particular, the enhanced IPA sensing performances might be attributed to the large specific area (52.46 m²/g). The increased conductivity of BCO/In(OH)₃·xH₂O nanocomposites due to incorporation of the In(OH)₃·xH₂O, which can significantly promote the surface-catalyzed reaction between oxygen species such as O^- and IPA molecules.