Porous In₂O₃ Microcubes Decorated with SnO₂ Nanoparticles for Enhanced Room Temperature Detection of SF₆ Gas Decomposition Products

Due to its superior dielectric properties and ability to prevent electrical arcing, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is widely employed in high-voltage electrical systems, including gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). Detecting SF6 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 SF6 decomposition detection remains a challenge. In this study, we synthesized nanocomposites consisting of porous indium(III) oxide (In2O3) microcubes decorated with Tin(IV) oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles (SnO2–In2O3) using a simple hydrothermal technique. Gas sensors based on SnO2–In2O3 nanocomposites demonstrated excellent performance in detecting SF6 decomposition products at room temperature. The SnO2 decoration on the surface of the porous In2O3 microcubes significantly enhanced the sensing response to 20 ppm of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), achieving a high response value of 33 at room temperature (25 °C), which is 6.9 times that of pure In2O3 sensors. This innovative approach utilizing nanocomposite microcube-based materials offers significant promise for advancing the design of efficient gas sensors for SF6 decomposition detection.