Preparation of Fe-doped In2O3 gas sensing semiconductor by one-step impregnation with enhanced ethanol sensing

Abstract Here we demonstrate high-performance ethanol sensors based on Fe-doped In 2 O 3 mesoporous nanospheres. By using FDU-12 as template via a facile one-step impregnation method Fe-doped In 2 O 3 were synthesized, which display high surface area, uniform shape, ordered mesoporous structure and small particle size. The Fe-doped In 2 O 3 exhibited a larger response to ethanol gases than pure In 2 O 3 under all measured concentrations. Furthermore, the effect of Fe/In molecular ratio on sensing property was investigated by comparing their response. The enhanced sensing properties could result from the unique mesoporous structure and the synergic electronic interaction between the guest Fe dopant and the host In 2 O 3 material.