Room temperature operatable high sensitive toluene gas sensor using chemiresistive Ag/Bi2O3 nanocomposite

•Polyethylene glycol stabilized Bi2O3 and Ag /Bi2O3 were synthesized and characterized.•Ag/Bi2O3 effectively detected the toluene gas compared to methanol, ethanol, formaldehyde, acetone and benzene.•Ag/Bi2O3 showed highest sensor efficiency of 89.2 % against toluene gas of 50 ppm at room temperature than Bi2O3.•Sensitivity of Ag/Bi2O3 toluene gas sensor was almost unchanged when RH value is below 60 %.•Ag/Bi2O3 toluene gas sensor was high and quick in response, good repeatability and excellent stability. Toluene gas is known to cause severe acute respiratory effects on human health and thereby its detection at trace levels is most essential. Herein, we demonstrate a room temperature operatable Ag/Bi2O3 nanocomposite based chemiresistive toluene gas sensor that detects minimal concentration range of 10−100 ppm. Further, Ag/Bi2O3 showed the highest sensitivity as for sensing of toluene gas in the presence of 50 ppm concentration of six different gases namely methanol, ethanol, formaldehyde, acetone, benzene, and toluene. The present sensor displays the highest sensor response of 89.2 % for detecting the very low concentration of toluene gas at 50 ppm under the relative humidity value of below 60 %. As achieved sensor exhibits a high and quick response, good repeatability and excellent stability for toluene gas, which promising and interesting as well.