Oxygen-defect rich SnO2-based homogenous composites for fast response and recovery hydrogen sensor

As a kind of green energy, hydrogen (H2) has been widely concerned and applied by people. One of the biggest challenges for sensing applications is the quick detection of hydrogen leaks or their release in various conditions, particularly in large electric vehicle batteries. This study successfully constructed a quick response and recovery hydrogen sensor based on the In2O3-SnO2 heterojunction. The response and recovery time of the In2O3-SnO2 hydrogen sensor is 1.1/1.9 s to 50 ppm H2. This is reduced to 11.0 %/9.5 % compared to the SnO2 hydrogen sensor. This sensor's remarkable gas detecting properties are mainly attributed to the In2O3-SnO2 heterojunction creation, crystal structure modification, and increased specific surface area (92.9 m2/g). Homogenous In2O3-SnO2 nanocomposites contain more oxygen defects, which is the primary factor enhancing the sensor's ability to detect gases. Firstly, indium ions are incorporated in the lattice of SnO2 results in lattice distortion and enhances the presence of oxygen deficiency in the composites, which plays a pivotal role in achieving rapid response and recovery of the sensor. Secondly, In2O3-SnO2 heterostructures promote rapid adsorption of oxygen molecules and target gases by facilitating effective electron mobility on their surface. The quicker response and recovery times of hydrogen sensors based on In2O3-SnO2 heterojunctions are observed. This innovative approach to creating fast-responding gas sensors highlights the promise of heterojunction-based hydrogen sensors for real-time H2 monitoring and opens up new research directions. •The In2O3-SnO2 hydrogen sensor exhibits a fast response/recovery time (1.1/1.9 s), which is reduced to 11.0%/9.5% compared to the SnO2 sensor.•The introduction of indium ions induces lattice distortion, thereby augmenting the population of oxygen defects in In2O3-SnO2.•The In2O3-SnO2 NFs demonstrate more homogenous and a significantly increased specific surface area (92.9 m2/g).•Nonprecious metal modified In2O3-SnO2 NFs preparation is inexpensive and straightforward.