In2O3 nanocubes/Ti3C2Tx MXene composites for enhanced methanol gas sensing properties at room temperature

Highly active two-dimensional (2D) nanocomposites, integrating the unique merits of individual components and synergistic effects of composites, have been recently receiving attention for gas sensing. In this work, In2O3 nanocubes/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposites were synthesized using In2O3 nanocubes and layered Ti3C2Tx MXene via a facile hydrothermal self-assembly method. Characterization results indicated that the In2O3 nanocubes with sizes approximately 20–130 nm in width were well dispersed on the surface of layered Ti3C2Tx MXene to form numerous heterostructure interfaces. Based on the synergistic effects of electronic properties and gas-adsorption capabilities, In2O3 nanocubes/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposites exhibited high response (29.6%–5 ppm) and prominent selectivity to methanol at room temperature. Meanwhile, the low detection concentration could be reduced to ppm-level, the response/recovery times are shortened to 6.5/3.5 s, excellent linearity and outstanding repeatability. The strategy of compositing layered MXene with metal oxide semiconductor provides a novel pathway for the future development of room temperature gas sensors.