Porous In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> Microcubes Decorated with SnO<sub>2</sub> Nanoparticles for Enhanced Room Temperature Detection of SF<sub>6</sub> Gas Decomposition Products
Luqman Ali Khan, Jie Jiang, Liping Zhu
Abstract
Due to its superior dielectric properties and ability to prevent electrical arcing, sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) is widely employed in high-voltage electrical systems, including gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). Detecting SF 6 decomposition products is critical for monitoring and addressing issues related to partial discharge activities in GIS equipment. Despite the growing demand, developing cost-effective and energy-efficient sensors for SF 6 decomposition detection remains a challenge. In this study, we synthesized nanocomposites consisting of porous indium(III) oxide (In 2 O 3 ) microcubes decorated with Tin(IV) oxide (SnO 2 ) nanoparticles (SnO 2 –In 2 O 3 ) using a simple hydrothermal technique. Gas sensors based on SnO 2 –In 2 O 3 nanocomposites demonstrated excellent performance in detecting SF 6 decomposition products at room temperature. The SnO 2 decoration on the surface of the porous In 2 O 3 microcubes significantly enhanced the sensing response to 20 ppm of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), achieving a high response value of 33 at room temperature (25 °C), which is 6.9 times that of pure In 2 O 3 sensors. This innovative approach utilizing nanocomposite microcube-based materials offers significant promise for advancing the design of efficient gas sensors for SF 6 decomposition detection.