Significant enhancement of the sensing characteristics of In2O3 nanowires by functionalization with Pt nanoparticles.

ABSTRACT

We report a significant enhancement in the gas sensing properties of In(2)O(3) nanowires by functionalizing their surfaces with Pt nanoparticles. For Pt-functionalization, In(2)O(3)-Pt core-shell nanowires are synthesized by the sputtering deposition of Pt layers on bare In(2)O(3) nanowires. Next, continuous Pt shell layers are transformed into Pt nanoparticles of cubic phase by heat treatment. In an O(2) gas sensing test, the Pt-functionalized In(2)O(3) nanowires reveal exceptionally higher sensitivity and faster response than bare In(2)O(3) nanowires.