Biomolecule-assisted synthesis and gas-sensing properties of porous nanosheet-based corundum In2O3 microflowers

Porous nanosheet-based corundum In2O3 microflowers were fabricated by one-pot hydrothermal treatment of d-fructose and In(NO3)3 mixture using urea as a precipitating agent followed by calcination. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of d-fructose and urea on the fabrication of nanosheet-based corundum In2O3 microflowers were investigated and a possible mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of the hierarchical nanostructures. The gas sensor based on the In2O3 microflowers exhibits excellent sensing properties for the detection of formaldehyde.